New Scam Targeting Social and Health Insurance Beneficiaries Identified in Vietnam

Vietnamese police have identified a sophisticated scam targeting social and health insurance beneficiaries. Scammers impersonate government officials to distribute malicious apps and later exploit victims with fake refund schemes to access additional bank accounts. Authorities urge citizens to avoid unofficial contact attempts and app installations.

How the Scam Works

Stage One: Installing Malicious Apps

Scammers impersonate social insurance officials and contact victims with fabricated reasons such as:

Notification that their insurance card contains an error
Urgent request to update their "electronic insurance certificate"
Demand to update insurance information for children under age six

When victims claim they cannot visit government offices in person, scammers pose as friends on social media platforms like Zalo or Telegram and send suspicious links or fake application downloads. Once installed, this malware gives scammers control of the victim's smartphone, allowing them to harvest personal information, intercept one-time passwords (OTPs), and drain bank accounts without authorization.

Stage Two: Fraudulent Refund Schemes

When victims discover unauthorized withdrawals and confront the scammers, the criminals do not disconnect but instead use psychological manipulation tactics. They claim "system errors" or "operation mistakes" and convince victims to borrow bank accounts from family members or friends to process supposed refunds. Once victims comply, scammers drain funds from these secondary accounts as well.

Warning Signs

Red Flags to Watch For

Official institutions calling or texting requesting personal information or app installation
Unknown individuals claiming to be government officials contacting you via social media with suspicious links
Requests to download apps from sources outside official app stores (App Store/Google Play)
Demands for OTP codes, passwords, national ID numbers, or biometric data
Instructions to use family members' or friends' bank accounts for alleged refund processes

Prevention and Safety Tips

Protective Measures

Verify Official Contact Methods: Social insurance agencies never request personal information or app installations via phone or social media. When in doubt, contact the official agency directly using verified numbers from their website.
Verify Identity: Never engage with individuals claiming to be government officials through social media messages.
Download Only from Official Sources: Install applications exclusively from legitimate app stores such as Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Protect Sensitive Information: Never share OTPs, passwords, national ID numbers, or biometric information with anyone under any circumstances.
Safeguard Account Information: Never provide bank account details for refund procedures, even if the accounts belong to family members or close relatives.

If You Suspect Fraud

If you encounter suspicious activity or accidentally click a malicious link, take immediate action:

Stop Transactions Immediately: Halt any suspicious activities right away.
Contact Your Bank: Reach out to your bank immediately to lock your accounts.
Preserve Evidence: Keep screenshots and records of fraudulent messages or communications.
Report to Police: File a report with the nearest police station and request assistance.