On May 6, 2025, the Da Nang City Police issued a warning about a series of sophisticated online scams that have been emerging, urging residents to remain vigilant. Among these scams is a new method known as 'Quishing,' which utilizes QR codes to steal personal information and money, often with just a simple scan that seems harmless.
"Quishing" is a term that blends "QR code" and "phishing," describing a deceptive practice where criminals employ malicious QR codes to lure victims into accessing fake websites, downloading malware, or making unwanted transactions. The familiarity and convenience of QR codes make many individuals complacent, inadvertently opening the door for cybercriminals to exploit them.
To combat this growing threat, the Cybersecurity and High-Tech Crime Prevention Department recommends that citizens thoroughly check the origin and validity of QR codes before scanning them. They advise against scanning codes linked to overly enticing promotional programs, ensuring that any web address begins with "https://" and corresponds with the organization’s official domain. Moreover, individuals are urged to exercise caution when providing personal information after scanning a QR code.
In addition to 'Quishing,' another scam that has been reported involves impersonating employees from delivery services, such as Viettel Post. Victims receive SMS or Facebook messages claiming they have accidentally transferred money to a shipper's member account and must cancel their registration immediately to avoid monthly charges of 3.5 million VND for three years, amounting to a total of 126 million VND. Scammers send messages that include phrases like "tap to preview"—potentially linking to phishing sites.
These impersonators create fake Facebook accounts resembling legitimate delivery services to frighten victims into believing they need to cancel a non-existent membership. The ultimate goal is to trick individuals into clicking on malicious links, providing personal or banking information, or transferring money to "cancel" an imaginary service.
Furthermore, a prevalent tactic involves targeting individuals who have posted about real estate on social media platforms. Scammers engage with these users, enticing them to invest in fake financial schemes, stock markets, or cryptocurrency. They often create fake accounts that interact with posts about real estate for rent or sale, primarily targeting women with economic means. After establishing rapport, they lure victims into investing, initially allowing them to win small amounts to encourage further investment. Once the sum reaches a significant amount, the scammers disappear, taking the money with them.
The Da Nang police emphasize the importance of being cautious when interacting with strangers online. They advise individuals to refrain from sharing personal information and to follow guidelines only after verifying the identity and background of the other party. Furthermore, they strongly discourage investments in dubious online platforms for stocks, multi-level marketing, or cryptocurrency.
In a related incident, a well-known singer, Kieu Anh, recently shared her experience of being scammed, which has garnered significant attention online. Her story highlights the dangers of these scams, as it received 1.5 million views on the Government Information page shortly after being posted.
Kieu Anh recounted that she received a call from a delivery person requesting her to accept a package at 9 AM, which she declined due to prior commitments. Thirty minutes later, she received a call from an unknown number that accurately detailed her personal information, requesting her to transfer 18,000 VND to reschedule the delivery. After complying, she received another call claiming that the account used for the transfer was linked to a shipper service that would incur monthly fees unless canceled.
Realizing she was being scammed, Kieu Anh hung up but continued to receive threatening calls. She shared her experience to alert others about the potential financial loss from such scams. Her TikTok video on the issue, posted in early April, also attracted nearly 3 million views and sparked thousands of comments.
The Government Information page has provided a list of warning signs and preventive measures against shipping-related scams. Scammers often buy and sell data on frequent online shoppers, impersonating delivery personnel to call victims when they are typically unavailable to receive packages. They then request payment for services that do not exist, leading victims to transfer money under false pretenses.
In light of these alarming trends, the authorities have provided several recommendations for the public:
- Always verify orders and confirm with the sender before making any payments. If you did not place an order, refuse to accept the package and do not pay.
- Request to inspect the item before payment; if the shipper refuses, contact the seller or the delivery company immediately.
- Only make payments for items that you have genuinely ordered, ensuring that they meet quality standards. It is advisable to pay directly to the seller or through reputable e-commerce platforms.
- Be cautious and do not provide personal or banking information to unknown individuals or impersonators.
- If you suspect fraudulent activity, report it to the nearest police station and retain all communication with the scammer for investigation purposes.
In conclusion, while the rise of online shopping has made life more convenient, it has also opened the door for sophisticated scams. Individuals must remain vigilant and informed to protect themselves from falling victim to these deceitful tactics.
