In recent weeks, Lam Thao district in Phu Tho province has witnessed a troubling surge in sophisticated fraud cases, where individuals have been impersonating military officers from the District Military Command (CHQS) to exploit the trust of residents. This alarming trend not only threatens the financial well-being of the victims but also severely undermines the reputation of the local armed forces.
Despite previous warnings about similar scams in nearby areas such as Phu Ninh and Thanh Ba, many residents have fallen prey to these deceitful tactics. One victim, Mr. L.Q.S, who owns a birthday cake shop in Tu Xa commune, recounted his experience: "A man contacted me using the phone number 0357.453.691, claiming to be Bui Hoang Son from the District Military Command. He ordered two birthday cakes worth 1.2 million VND and scheduled to pick them up at 4 PM the next day. To gain my trust, he sent a fake invoice with official-looking signatures and a red stamp. I asked for a 50% deposit, and he instructed me to come to the District Military Command to pay. However, when I arrived, I could no longer reach him, and he had blocked me on Zalo."
Mr. L.Q.S was not alone; the following day, a neighbor also encountered a scammer who ordered 40 chickens but was fortunate enough to avoid the trap. Over the subsequent days, more residents in Tu Xa commune reported similar incidents, with scammers posing as military officers and ordering various goods like food, cakes, and floral arrangements, only to vanish without a trace when it was time to collect the items.
Some fraudsters even requested shop owners to buy food items, claiming they were new to the area and needed assistance. Once the victims purchased the items, the scammers would cut off all communication, leaving behind a trail of confusion and financial loss.
According to preliminary statistics, from April 12 to April 14, 2025, at least five cases of suspected fraud involving impersonation of military officers were reported in Lam Thao district. The scammers typically use "junk SIMs" and create Zalo or Facebook accounts featuring images of individuals in military uniforms or family members of military personnel. They even go so far as to forge documents with signatures and seals from military agencies to bolster their credibility.
The most common tactics include:
- Impersonating officers from the District Military Command, contacting shop owners to order goods and scheduling deliveries at the command's office, but failing to show up.
- Requesting shop owners to buy items that are not readily available, then involving a third party who demands a higher deposit than what the scammer initially sent. Once the victim transfers the deposit, the scammer disappears.
These fraudulent activities not only lead to financial losses for individuals but also tarnish the image and credibility of the People’s Army of Vietnam, creating a climate of fear and distrust among the community.
In response to this alarming situation, the District Military Command of Lam Thao has urged the local People's Committee, police, and relevant departments to spread awareness among the public about these scams. They emphasize the importance of vigilance and caution among business owners, advising them to insist on face-to-face transactions and to record any exchanges when dealing with individuals claiming to be military personnel. For verification, residents can visit the District Military Command Headquarters located in Zone 1, Son Vi commune, or contact officials directly at the numbers provided.
As part of their ongoing efforts to combat these fraudulent activities, authorities are actively investigating and addressing the cases of impersonation that have occurred in the district. However, the protection of personal property and the preservation of the revered image of the "Bộ đội Cụ Hồ" (Uncle Ho's Soldiers) rely heavily on the vigilance and discernment of the public. Residents are encouraged to verify information thoroughly and refrain from conducting transactions online without confirming the identity and background of the buyer.
In a related warning, the Ministry of Finance has also reported a rise in fraudulent activities, with scammers forging documents, seals, and signatures of its leaders. They have created fake websites and social media pages to solicit money from unsuspecting individuals. The Ministry has advised both the public and businesses to remain alert against these fraudulent schemes.
On March 31, 2025, the Ministry issued a warning regarding a Facebook page titled "Receiving, Processing, Recovering, and Returning Suspended Capital," which falsely claimed to represent the Ministry in recovering funds for victims of online fraud. The Ministry confirmed that this page was fake and urged the public to exercise caution against such deceptive posts.
As the authorities continue to tackle these issues, they remind citizens to report any signs of fraud to the appropriate agencies to prevent further losses. The collaboration between the public and law enforcement is vital in curbing these scams and restoring trust within the community.
In conclusion, while the authorities are working diligently to combat these fraudulent activities, the onus is on individuals to remain vigilant and informed. By taking proactive steps to verify identities and transactions, citizens can help protect themselves and their communities from the growing threat of fraud.
