In Vietnam, a new wave of sophisticated online scams is sweeping through social media and digital banking channels, catching many unsuspecting citizens off guard. While the blue checkmark on Facebook was once a symbol of authenticity, it has now become a tool for fraudsters, enabling them to impersonate reputable businesses and lure victims into costly traps. The country’s authorities and financial institutions are sounding the alarm, urging the public to stay vigilant and adopt new habits to protect themselves from the ever-evolving tactics of cybercriminals.
One of the most striking recent examples, as reported by Nhân Dân, involves a fake Facebook page named “Phú Quý Silver.” This page, complete with a seemingly legitimate blue checkmark, posed as the well-known Công ty Cổ phần Đầu tư Vàng Phú Quý. The impersonators went so far as to use a bank account under the name “PHU QUY” to receive funds, easily confusing consumers who believed they were dealing with the real company. The fraudsters advertised commemorative silver products marking the 50th anniversary of national reunification and the 80th National Day—items that the genuine company no longer manufactures or sells. To further entice potential victims, they posted alluring but entirely fictitious promotional offers, hoping to trigger impulsive purchases.
It’s not just the use of official-looking pages that’s raising concern. According to the State Bank’s Payment Department, there has been a marked increase in financial technology crimes and electronic scams using a variety of sophisticated methods. On September 11, 2025, the Payment Department issued a public warning, noting that criminals are impersonating banks to send deceptive messages, distributing fake links and QR codes, pretending to be law enforcement or court officials, and recruiting for “high salary jobs” abroad. Even more alarming, some are now leveraging AI and deepfake technologies to steal personal information and assets, raising the stakes for ordinary citizens.
“In recent times, the situation of high-tech crime and financial fraud via electronic channels has been on the rise, with many sophisticated tactics,” the Payment Department stated, as reported by Thương Hiệu & Công Luận. These tactics are constantly evolving, making it increasingly difficult for even tech-savvy users to distinguish between authentic and fraudulent communications.
To protect themselves, authorities and banks are urging citizens to adopt a series of defensive measures. First and foremost, people are advised never to provide sensitive security information—such as passwords, one-time passwords (OTPs), card numbers, CVV codes, or biometric data—to anyone under any circumstances. “Do not provide security information (passwords, OTP, card numbers, CVV, biometrics) to anyone in any form,” the Payment Department emphasized. This advice, though simple, is often ignored in the face of cleverly engineered messages that mimic official communications from banks or government agencies.
Additionally, users are warned not to access or scan unfamiliar links or QR codes, and to avoid downloading or using applications from unverified sources. Fraudsters have become adept at creating convincing websites and apps that closely resemble those of legitimate organizations, making it all too easy for even cautious individuals to fall victim.
Verification is key. Both the police and the State Bank recommend that users always double-check information through official channels. For example, when dealing with financial transactions or suspicious offers, it’s crucial to cross-reference details on the official websites, apps, or customer hotlines of banks and companies. “Always check and verify information through official bank channels (website, app, hotline),” the Payment Department advises. This extra step can mean the difference between safety and loss.
Another important tip: regularly change your account passwords, enable alerts for balance changes, and set transfer limits. These measures can help detect unauthorized activity quickly and limit potential damage if an account is compromised. The Payment Department also warns people to be particularly wary of offers that promise super profits or easy jobs abroad, as these are often fronts for cross-border scams.
In the case of the fake “Phú Quý Silver” Facebook page, the police have outlined several red flags that can help users spot fraudulent accounts. Most fake pages are newly created or have recently changed their names. They often post advertisements in a short burst and may show evidence of being managed or accessed from outside Vietnam. “Pay attention to the account history, page name changes, and login locations, as most fake accounts are newly created or recently renamed and post ads from outside Vietnam,” the police caution. Whenever in doubt, consumers should compare information across multiple sources and, for important transactions, visit the company’s official premises or authorized agents in person.
Authorities are also calling on the public to play an active role in combating online scams. People are urged not to share or help spread information from suspicious pages, and to promptly report any unusual activity to the relevant authorities. “Each citizen needs to raise awareness, avoid sharing or spreading information from fake pages, and promptly report suspicious content to authorities,” the police stress. This collective vigilance can help curb the spread of fraudulent schemes and protect the wider community.
Recognizing the scale of the threat, the State Bank has pledged to coordinate with credit institutions to roll out a range of technical, legal, and communication strategies aimed at preventing high-tech crimes. “The State Bank will coordinate with credit institutions to continue implementing technical, legal, and communication measures to prevent high-tech crimes,” the Payment Department announced. However, officials admit that the success of these efforts ultimately depends on the public’s cooperation and alertness. “Public vigilance and cooperation are key factors in preventing this problem.”
For Vietnamese consumers navigating today’s digital landscape, the message is clear: trust must be earned, not assumed—especially online. With scammers exploiting every available tool, from fake blue checkmarks to deepfake technology, there’s no substitute for caution, verification, and a healthy dose of skepticism. By staying informed and following official guidance, citizens can better protect themselves and help build a safer digital future for everyone.
