In Ho Chi Minh City (TPHCM), a wave of scams targeting parents of students enrolling in primary and secondary schools has raised alarm among educational institutions. On April 18, 2025, several schools in Districts 1, 4, and 8 issued urgent warnings to parents regarding fraudulent calls from individuals impersonating school administrators.
According to the announcement from Truong THCS Dong Khoi in District 1, scammers have been reaching out to parents under the pretext of confirming "level 2 identification codes for students" necessary for enrollment. These calls often direct parents to provide personal information through suspicious links, which could lead to serious financial repercussions, including loss of access to bank accounts and e-wallets.
"All information related to enrollment will be communicated through official channels such as the school's website or text messages from homeroom teachers and enrollment officers," the school stated. They emphasized that no legitimate school would request personal information via phone calls or unverified links.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, Vice Chairwoman of Ward 18 in District 4, confirmed that the warning has been disseminated to community groups to ensure that parents and students are aware of these fraudulent activities. This information was sourced from the local police, who are working to raise awareness during the critical enrollment period.
As the 2025-2026 school year approaches, the Department of Education and Training in TPHCM is implementing a new enrollment process that relies on the "Current Residence" information provided by parents through the VNeID application. This system is combined with a Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping approach to allocate schools based on proximity rather than administrative boundaries.
The Director of the Department of Education and Training has instructed all enrollment units to refrain from requiring any additional documentation if the current residence information and personal data on the VNeID app are accurate. However, if there are discrepancies, schools will compile a list and submit it to the local government for resolution.
This new enrollment strategy is designed to streamline the process and prevent issues that may arise from outdated or incorrect information. It is particularly crucial as parents are eager to secure spots for their children amidst rising concerns over scams.
Earlier in March 2025, the Department had already issued warnings about scams related to tuition fee refunds, following the announcement of a new policy to waive tuition fees for students from preschool through high school in TPHCM starting in the 2025-2026 academic year. This policy change has made parents more susceptible to fraudulent schemes.
Schools across the city are urging parents to remain vigilant and to verify any communications they receive regarding enrollment. They recommend that parents only engage with official school channels and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
As the city prepares for the upcoming enrollment season, it is vital for parents to exercise caution to protect their personal information and financial security. The authorities are working diligently to combat these scams and ensure a safe and efficient enrollment process for all students.
In light of these developments, parents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the official enrollment procedures and to be skeptical of unsolicited requests for personal information. With the right precautions, families can navigate the enrollment process without falling victim to scams.
