Vietnam: Police and Banks Collaborate to Prevent 'Foreign Gift' Scam

A woman in Thai Nguyen Province, Vietnam, nearly fell victim to a scam involving a supposed foreign gift. Alert bank staff identified suspicious transaction details and coordinated with local police to warn the victim and prevent financial loss.

How the Scam Works

In this case, scammers contacted victims via social media, claiming that a package containing a gift from abroad was awaiting delivery. They then requested payments under the pretense of customs clearance, taxes, and fees—a classic scam pattern.

The victim was asked to make payments in stages. After initially complying with a transfer of 7 million Vietnamese dong, she was asked to send an additional 10 million dong from her savings account.

Warning Signs

The critical factor in preventing loss was the bank's vigilance. Staff members recognized suspicious transaction details and promptly contacted local police to alert the victim. Key warning signs include:

Foreign gift delivery claims that require upfront payment
Seemingly legitimate reasons for payment (customs fees, taxes, handling charges)
Pressure to transfer money quickly
Unclear identity or contact information of the sender
Unsolicited contact from strangers via social media

Prevention Tips

Verify Identity: If you receive news of an unexpected gift, verify the sender's identity through independent means. Even if the claim comes from an acquaintance, confirm directly through another communication channel.
Beware of Advance Payments: Legitimate international shipping and customs procedures do not require advance payments. Any request for upfront payment is a major red flag.
Protect Personal Information: Never share passwords, OTP codes, bank account details, or personal data with unknown individuals or unverified contacts.
Consult Bank Staff: If you have any doubts about a transaction, speak with your bank before completing it. As shown in this case, bank staff can identify suspicious activity and involve authorities.
Report to Authorities: Immediately report any suspected fraud to local police.

Where to Report

Contact your local police department or your bank's fraud prevention department if you suspect you are being targeted by this scam.