Beware of "virtual" retreats

Taking advantage of the psychology of many people looking for relaxing trips during the summer, a scam to register for a "summer retreat" is being warned by young people writing articles on online forums.

Accordingly, some individuals have been buying leaked user information online, including full names, phone numbers, email addresses, residential information, and registering for "summer retreats." These individuals then repeatedly call mobile phones, informing the applicant that they have registered for the retreat and paid the fee, and that a vehicle will be waiting at the designated meeting point.

Nguyen Hoai Minh Phuong (23 years old, office worker, residing in Xuan Hoa ward, Ho Chi Minh City) was understandably upset after receiving three phone calls informing her that she had registered and paid for a "summer retreat."

Minh Phuong said: “The first time I received the call, I thought they had mistaken the registration information, but by the third time, it was clearly a scam. They said I had already registered and paid 5 million VND, even though my account hadn't had any unusual transactions in the past two months. I work at a bank, so I'm very familiar with that. On the third call, they tried to persuade me to go so I wouldn't waste the 5 million VND, even offering a 2 million VND thank-you bonus if I brought a friend to join.”

Interestingly, when Minh Phuong inquired about the itinerary and locations, the caller only gave vague answers about visiting many temples and beautiful sights… without providing any specific addresses. Furthermore, the pick-up times were very strange, with only two time slots: 1:30 AM or 4:00 AM!

Even if I didn't go, there would still be problems. Ms. Ngo Thi Lan Thuong (28 years old, a skincare technician residing in Rach Ong Ward, Ho Chi Minh City) said: "After repeatedly trying to persuade me to go without success, they told me I had to log into a link to cancel my registration, otherwise I would be charged later. I posted this link on an online scam warning group to ask for verification, and they said this link is specifically aimed at stealing bank account data."

Faced with the pressures of life, many young people seek peaceful, "healing" trips. Recognizing this need, a new form of scam has emerged, primarily targeting young people who are easily swayed by the allure of long journeys. Staying calm and vigilant is essential to protect oneself from the various scams currently in existence.

OCEAN

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/canh-giac-voi-nhung-khoa-tu-ao-post804991.html