Vietnamese Police Warn of Online Scam Using AI Deepfake Videos to Steal Personal Information

Vietnam's Ninh Binh Provincial Police have issued a warning about a sophisticated online scam where fraudsters impersonate delivery personnel or customer service representatives on social media platforms like Facebook, Zalo, and TikTok to steal personal information. The criminals use AI-generated deepfake video calls to manipulate victims into revealing authentication codes and passwords, then hijack their accounts for fraud and other illegal activities.

How the Scam Works

Fraudsters execute this scam in several stages:

Trust-Building Phase
- Impersonate delivery personnel, sellers, or customer service representatives on social media
- Contact buyers claiming there's an issue with their order, payment confirmation, or shipping fees
- Use official-sounding language to establish credibility
Information Extraction Phase
- Send fraudulent login links requesting credentials
- Request OTP codes, passwords, and personal information
- Initiate video calls to capture images of the victim's face
Account Takeover Phase
- Use collected information to gain account access
- Employ AI-generated deepfake video calls to impersonate the victim
- Contact family members and friends pretending to be the victim to request money
- Use the hijacked account for further fraud and illegal activities

Warning Signs

Be alert to these red flags:

Sudden unsolicited contact via messaging apps rather than official channels
Inaccurate or unfamiliar order information
Pressure to provide authentication codes or passwords immediately
Requests to download suspicious applications or click unknown links
Video calls from unfamiliar phone numbers or accounts
Conversations that seem scripted or unnatural

Prevention Tips

Protect Authentication Credentials
- Never share passwords or OTP codes with anyone
- Remember that legitimate companies will never request these details
Be Cautious with Video Calls
- Don't answer video calls from unknown numbers or suspicious accounts
- Be aware that AI-deepfake technology can convincingly simulate real people
Avoid Suspicious Links
- Don't click links sent via messages
- Always log in through official websites or apps directly
Manage Applications Carefully
- Install apps only from official app stores (Apple App Store, Google Play)
- Verify app authenticity and user reviews before installation
Strengthen Account Security
- Enable two-factor authentication
- Change passwords regularly
- Monitor login history and connected devices
Verify Online Purchases
- Confirm order information through official retailer websites or apps
- Contact the company directly if you receive suspicious notifications

Reporting and Support

If you suspect fraud:

Report immediately to local law enforcement (Công an)
Contact the social media platform's security team
Use dedicated cybercrime reporting channels

Both individuals and families must maintain vigilance about personal information protection and remain cautious of online scams to safeguard their assets and legitimate interests.