Hanoi Warns of Social Insurance Scam: Fraudsters Impersonating Government Officials

Scammers in Hanoi are impersonating government officials and calling social insurance beneficiaries to demand personal and insurance information. Fraudsters are exploiting a government campaign to help people complete insurance documents. Authorities urge residents to verify information through official channels only.

How the Scam Works

Scammers in Hanoi are impersonating staff from Hanoi's Administrative Service Center and calling social insurance beneficiaries. They claim to represent the government and request recipients to provide or update their social insurance information. This scam takes advantage of an ongoing government campaign to help people complete their insurance documentation.

Warning Signs

Unsolicited calls: Receiving phone calls from people claiming to be government officials without you initiating contact
Requests for sensitive information: Callers asking for social insurance numbers, bank account details, or other personal data over the phone
Pressure tactics: The caller rushes you to provide information immediately without giving you time to verify
Vague explanations: Callers cannot clearly explain why they need your information or what it will be used for
Unusual communication method: Government agencies typically do not request personal information via unsolicited phone calls

Prevention Tips

Never provide information over the phone: Legitimate government agencies do not request personal or financial information through unsolicited calls. If someone calls asking for sensitive data, it is almost certainly a scam.
Verify through official channels: If you are unsure whether information submission is required, contact the Administrative Service Center directly using the phone number on their official website or visit the office in person.
Use official procedures: Always handle social insurance matters through official government offices and websites only.
Consult with others: If you receive a suspicious call, speak with family members or trusted individuals before taking any action.
Keep your information private: Never share your social insurance number, identification number, or banking information with anyone claiming to represent the government unless you initiated the contact and verified their identity.

Where to Report

Hanoi Administrative Service Center (official office)
Local police station in your district
Vietnam Social Insurance Agency
Online fraud reporting platforms

If you have received suspicious calls or attempted fraud, report it to the local police immediately. Providing information about scam attempts helps authorities track down fraudsters and protect other residents.