Beware of "virtual space"

Along with the benefits that digital transformation brings, the risks of cyber insecurity are increasing, especially fraudulent activities aimed at stealing assets with increasingly sophisticated methods.

City police are disseminating information and raising awareness about laws on "Protecting children and preventing school violence in the digital environment." Photo: City Police.

Sophisticated tactics, constantly changing methods

Based on observations from the fight against crime, online fraud is not only increasing in number but also rapidly changing in methods and tactics. Criminals exploit the development of technology, social media, and the complacency and lack of vigilance of some people to commit crimes.

The Da Nang City Police have successfully uncovered a major case, dismantling a network of nine individuals operating abroad who used cyberspace to commit fraud and embezzle property.

The perpetrators created fake financial investment platforms, dating apps, and TikTok platforms, while also hijacking social media accounts to approach and manipulate victims. Between June 2024 and January 2025 alone, this network defrauded over 800 victims nationwide, stealing a total of over 1.8 trillion VND.

Not only focusing on major cases, in 2025, the city police received 108 reports related to the use of high technology to seize assets, with total estimated losses exceeding 200 billion VND. Through investigation, the authorities prosecuted 108 cases involving 62 defendants related to this type of crime.

According to the city police, the perpetrators often exploit two common psychological factors: fear and greed. In some cases, they impersonate police officers, prosecutors, or government officials to threaten and cause panic. They also offer attractive incentives such as financial investments, cryptocurrency, easy jobs with high salaries, etc., to lure victims.

Common methods and tactics include impersonating law enforcement agencies; scamming people into investing in finance, stocks, or cryptocurrencies; recruiting online sales collaborators for commission; announcing prize winnings or faking money transfers; setting up cryptocurrency exchanges; impersonating "assistance in recovering scammed money"; setting up online romance scams; hijacking accounts to impersonate relatives; and even staging "online kidnappings" for ransom.

Boosting people's "immunity"

In a context where all activities, from transactions and connections to entertainment, take place in the digital environment, each citizen is not only a beneficiary but also a direct participant, facing potential risks.

Major General Nguyen Huu Hop, Director of the City Police, advised every citizen to be vigilant about all information, cautious in every transaction, and responsible in every action in cyberspace. Digital transformation must go hand in hand with digital security.

In the coming period, the city police will continue to advise, coordinate, and research to perfect the "hot," urgent, and direct 24/7 coordination mechanism, streamline procedures in information exchange, verification, freezing, and temporary suspension of transactions in cases and incidents with signs of crime, maximize the use of "golden" opportunities, and minimize the possibility of perpetrators disposing of assets stolen from citizens.

For their part, citizens need to pay special attention to several important principles such as not providing personal information, bank account details, or OTP codes to anyone; not trusting calls from people claiming to be government officials; not transferring money without verifying the recipient's identity; and being wary of investment offers or promises of "easy jobs with high salaries."

Absolutely do not access links, applications, or attachments from unknown sources; regularly update your knowledge and monitor warnings from authorities; proactively report crimes when you detect suspicious signs.

To effectively prevent and combat fraud and cybercrime, the police force will maintain the 24/7 operation of the 113 hotline and criminal and cybersecurity duty units to promptly receive and process information and assist citizens when they detect signs of fraud. In addition, state management solutions will also be emphasized, such as tightening the management of unregistered SIM cards, strengthening bank account verification, and applying biometrics in online transactions, contributing to limiting the conditions that give rise to crime.

In the fight against cybercrime, alongside the core role of law enforcement agencies, the active and proactive participation of citizens is the most important "shield." When each individual raises their vigilance and equips themselves with the necessary skills, cyberspace will become a safe and healthy environment, contributing to ensuring security and order and promoting sustainable social development in the digital age.

Major General Nguyen Huu Hop, Director of the City Police, said that in light of the complex developments in high-tech crime, the City Police have proactively implemented a comprehensive range of solutions to effectively prevent and combat it.

Of particular note is the advisory role in issuing Directive No. 13-CT/TU of the City Party Committee on strengthening the Party's leadership over cybersecurity and combating high-tech crimes in the new situation.

This directive contributes to mobilizing the entire political system and clearly defines the responsibilities of the heads of units and localities in crime prevention at the grassroots level.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/canh-giac-voi-khong-gian-ao-3330281.html