In addition to ongoing data encryption attacks targeting key sectors, online fraud remains prevalent, with scammers exploiting the growth of the Internet, social media, and OTT applications to deceive and steal.

Recognizing that combating online scams is a long-term effort, the AIS has been actively working with relevant agencies to raise public awareness about various scams and effective prevention strategies.

Below are five online scam tactics that the AIS has flagged as notable threats between July 29 and August 4:

1. Social media scams: "helping you recover lost money"

In the past week, a woman from Thanh Hoa fell victim to a scam while attempting to retrieve money lost to a fraudulent online shopping scheme. She followed instructions from a supposed recovery service, resulting in further loss of personal information and money.

This scam involves creating fake social media accounts and advertising "money recovery" services. Once contacted, scammers request victims’ personal information, bank details, and previous scam amounts, along with service fees. After victims transfer money, scammers often claim there is an account error and block further contact.

The AIS advises against trusting or using online "money recovery" services and warns against sharing sensitive personal information. If suspected of being scammed, individuals should report to law enforcement for assistance.

2. Scam selling "miracle" medications on social media

Recently, a resident reported buying a bone and joint medication from a fake specialist doctor from the Military Hospital. Trusting the scammer, the victim purchased and used the medication, which led to adverse health effects.

These scams involve groups creating fake social media profiles to advertise overpriced "miracle" drugs. Many of these profiles lack contact information, providing only phone numbers for consultation. Scammers impersonate doctors from central hospitals to diagnose and prescribe medications.

The AIS advises caution when purchasing medication online, especially unknown treatments. Individuals should seek medical advice and prescriptions from certified healthcare professionals and verify drug manufacturers through reliable sources.

3. Labor export and visa-free tourism scams

Scammers recently created social media accounts to lure individuals seeking overseas work or visa-free travel to Jeju Island, South Korea. Through sophisticated tactics, they managed to steal over 747 million VND from 10 victims.

These scammers promise rapid visa issuance or high success rates. Exploiting victims’ lack of visa process knowledge, they demand unnecessary personal information or advance payment of vague fees. To avoid detection, scammers even create fake flight bookings for victims.

The AIS advises verifying the legitimacy of agencies and service providers and avoiding unfamiliar links. Use official consular websites or embassies to research visa procedures. Report any signs of fraud to authorities for intervention.

4. Trademark copyright extortion scams

Meta has alerted users to scams involving copyright protection tools on Facebook. Users report their content being removed for copyright violations, followed by messages demanding fees to restore content.

Scammers identify similar video content or use AI-generated videos to report users for copyright infringement. They contact victims through fake or spoofed emails, demanding personal information or payments to restore content. These communications often contain non-official email addresses and unprofessional language.

The AIS advises content creators to be vigilant. If content is removed for copyright reasons, contact platform support for assistance. Verify email authenticity and avoid unfamiliar links or sharing personal data.

5. Fake messages targeting e-commerce users

Recently, Amazon users received emails regarding purchase issues, such as payment method problems or expired Prime memberships, with links for resolution.

These messages prompt users to follow links and provide personal or financial information or pay fees.

The AIS identifies this as a severe threat, noting stolen personal data can be sold on the dark web or used to hijack Amazon accounts for fraudulent transactions.

The AIS advises e-commerce users to be cautious of suspicious messages, avoid unfamiliar links, and protect personal and bank information. For purchase issues, contact e-commerce support directly.

Van Anh