Warning: Lottery Ticket Vendors in Vietnam Targeted by Record Fraud Scheme

How the Fraud Works

This sophisticated scam involves a two-stage process targeting lottery ticket vendors in Ha Giang province:

Stage 1 - Initial Deception: A customer approaches claiming an urgent matter, requesting to bypass standard registration procedures. They provide their own pen and personally write numbers in the vendor's lottery record book, then leave the premises.

Stage 2 - Alteration and Fraud: After official lottery results are announced, the same person returns requesting to review the record book. While the vendor is distracted by other tasks or due to obstructed sightlines, the fraudster alters the numbers to match the winning combination and fraudulently claims the prize payment.

Documented Case

In mid-July, a female vendor in Ha Giang District 1 lost approximately 8 million Vietnamese dong (USD ~315). A male customer used the initial excuse of urgency to write his own numbers with his pen. Upon the fraudster's return the next day, he manipulated the record while exploiting a moment when staff attention was diverted, successfully obtaining the fraudulent prize payment. The vendor only discovered the deception upon conducting a thorough review of the entire transaction.

Warning Signs to Watch For

• Artificial urgency: Scammers create pressure to bypass proper procedures
• Offering personal writing implements: Attempting to write their own numbers directly in official records
• Requesting record book access: Seeking to review or borrow documents, creating opportunities for alteration
• Unrealistic prize claims: Demanding payments inconsistent with actual winning amounts

Protection Measures for Vendors

1. Maintain strict procedural standards: Never permit customers to personally write in official records. All entries must be completed by authorized staff only.

2. Maintain constant visibility: Never loan record books to customers. Keep records within sight and control at all times.

3. Complete all procedures fully: Regardless of customer circumstances or claimed time constraints, complete all standard procedures without exception.

4. Report suspicious activity immediately: Alert management and authorities upon detecting any suspicious behavior or irregular requests.

How to Report

If you experience fraud or witness suspicious activity, contact:

• Local police and public security authorities
• Your lottery company management (e.g., Ha Giang Lottery Limited Company)
• Ha Giang Provincial Police Anti-Fraud Division

Lottery companies have issued mandatory guidance requiring vendors to strictly prohibit customers from writing in official records and to absolutely refuse to provide record books to customers for any purpose.