Impersonation Scam Targeting Businesses: Fraudsters Pose as Government Officials to Secure Large Orders

A sophisticated impersonation scam is spreading in Can Tho City, Vietnam, where fraudsters pose as government officials to approach businesses with large purchase orders. When companies claim insufficient stock, scammers introduce a third-party supplier and request advance payments or deposits, only to disappear with the funds.

Overview of the Scam

According to a recent warning issued by Can Tho City Police in Vietnam, a sophisticated impersonation scam targeting businesses and commercial establishments is on the rise. Fraudsters execute carefully planned schemes that exploit business owners' desire to secure large, lucrative contracts.

How the Scam Works

A typical fraud scenario follows this pattern:

Initial Contact: A fraudster calls a business and claims to be a government official from a procurement or logistics department
Large Order Presentation: The caller states that their agency needs to purchase large quantities of products (e.g., industrial fans) and requests urgent delivery
Third-Party Supplier Introduction: When the business claims insufficient stock, the fraudster introduces a separate supplier company (e.g., "B.K. Machinery Co., Ltd.")
Profit Promise: The fraudster pledges that the business can purchase from the supplier at a discount and promises to buy back all inventory at a profit margin
False Legitimacy: Unverified information is provided, such as approved procurement plans, urgent departmental needs, or deposit refund guarantees, to build credibility
Pressure to Send Funds: The fabricated details create urgency and pressure the business to transfer money before verification is complete
Follow-up Extraction or Disappearance: Once payment is made, the fraudster either cuts off contact or invents reasons to request additional funds

Scammer Tactics

Fraud rings typically execute elaborate multi-role scenarios:

One scammer impersonates a police officer or government official to establish trust
Another scammer poses as a product supplier representative to make the transaction appear legitimate

Target Selection:

Businesses capable of supplying high-value goods or services
Contact is initiated proactively via phone or social media
Large purchase orders are presented
When the business lacks inventory, the scammer introduces a supplier contact and promises profit-sharing on the difference

Warning Signs and Red Flags

Businesses should remain vigilant against:

Unsolicited calls or messages from people claiming to be police officers or government officials
Transactions conducted entirely over phone or social media
Suppliers introduced by third parties
Requests for deposits or advance payments without proper verification

Prevention Tips

Essential Verification Steps:

If claiming to represent a government agency, independently contact the official agency using verified phone numbers and addresses to confirm the purchase order
Always verify the legal credentials of any supplier
Avoid conducting business with suppliers introduced by unknown parties until thoroughly verified
Do not send advance payments or deposits until you have completely verified the counterparty's identity, the legitimacy of the order, and the actual needs of the referenced agency

Reporting and Support

If you detect suspicious signs or have already transferred funds:

Preserve all messages, phone numbers, transaction records, and related documents
File a report with your nearest police station
Cooperate with police for verification and processing according to regulations