Preventing cyber fraud: requires concerted efforts.

Despite the authorities' vigorous efforts, cyber fraud and high-tech crimes continue to occur, with the number of scams increasing steadily, causing serious financial losses and widespread public concern.

Virtual space - real damage

In today's era of rapid digital technology development, cyberspace has become an indispensable part of daily life. However, this development also brings with it many serious problems, among which cyber fraud is one form of crime that is increasingly prevalent and becoming more sophisticated.

Online fraud is a violation of the law. Photo: Hai Linh

According to the latest survey by the National Cybersecurity Association, in 2024, the estimated losses from online fraud reached 18.9 trillion VND. On average, for every 220 smartphone users, 1 person becomes a victim of fraud, corresponding to a rate of 0.45%. The number of victims is large, but the number of people who recover their money is very small. When caught in a scam, although 88.98% of users said they immediately warned and discussed the matter with relatives and friends, only 45.69% of respondents said they reported it to the authorities, a rather low percentage.

Referring to common forms of fraud today, Lawyer Nguyen Thanh Ha, Chairman of SBLAW Law Firm, said: “The methods used by fraudsters to attack internet users are very diverse and sophisticated. For example, they encourage people to participate in virtual investment platforms; create money lending apps; impersonate government agencies or police; impersonate lawyers… These forms of fraud are incredibly varied, from classic to updated methods from abroad…”

Not only do scammers create sophisticated scenarios, but they also utilize advanced technologies such as deepfake technology to create fake videos and voices; automated tools (chatbots) to communicate continuously with victims; and specialized software on computers to make telecommunication calls and reach multiple people simultaneously. The use of high-tech applications makes it difficult for many victims to distinguish between real and fake content, leading to easy deception. Meanwhile, scammers often exploit the greed and gullibility of victims to commit illegal acts.

Cyber ​​fraud is not simply a matter of deception; it's a complex issue involving multiple aspects such as human psychology, information technology, and law. One of the main reasons for the increase in cyber fraud is users' lack of understanding of information security measures. Many people remain careless and negligent in protecting their personal information, making them easy victims…

 

Online fraud is a violation of the law. Those who commit this crime will face administrative and criminal penalties under Article 174 of the Penal Code No. 100/2015/QH13 concerning the crime of fraud and appropriation of property.
Attorney Nguyen Thanh Ha , Chairman of SBLAW Law Firm

A synchronized solution, working together.

Forecasts indicate that online fraud may increase in 2025 due to the explosion of new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain technology, and quantum computing. Mr. Vu Ngoc Son, Head of Technology at the National Cyber ​​Security Association (NCA), stated: “Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) attacks, ransomware attacks, and attacks on IoT devices will be three key cyberattack trends that agencies, organizations, and businesses need to pay special attention to in the coming period.”

Therefore, to prevent online fraud, coordination between authorities, businesses, and users is necessary. Specifically, authorities need to invest in developing AI and other technologies to detect and prevent fraudulent activities more effectively; improve the legal framework for cybersecurity, strengthen the handling of online fraud; and enhance public awareness and education about different types of fraud and how to avoid them.

From the perspective of organizations and businesses, it is necessary to upgrade security systems and provide tools to support users in identifying fraud risks. “Agencies and organizations need to proactively build and maintain a strong cybersecurity system: regularly update software and systems, equip basic cybersecurity solutions such as firewalls, antivirus software, and data backup. In particular, it is necessary to continuously improve cybersecurity awareness and skills for system administrators and operators; organize regular cybersecurity training and drills; and participate in cybersecurity alliances and associations to leverage the nation's combined resources…” – Mr. Vu Ngoc Son emphasized.

For users, it is necessary to raise awareness, regularly update knowledge about information security, and share experiences with each other to create a safe online community. In addition, the first simple but effective measure that users should pay attention to is to absolutely not provide personal information to unreliable sources and not participate in unclear investment programs.

In the event of falling victim to a scam, reporting it to the authorities is essential to protect your rights and prevent further illegal activities. This will provide authorities with timely information to investigate and gather evidence, thereby increasing the chances of apprehending and prosecuting the scammers. Furthermore, reporting can help victims recover some or all of their stolen assets, especially if authorities intervene early and freeze the relevant assets.

In fact, each reported scam contributes to building a database of scams and their modus operandi, thereby warning the community and preventing these individuals from continuing their fraudulent activities and causing harm to others. Therefore, reporting not only protects individuals but also contributes to building a safer, more transparent, and healthier online environment for the community.

Cyber ​​fraud is a serious problem that requires the collective effort of the entire society to solve. Only when every individual, business, and government agency is conscious and responsible can we create a safe and healthy online environment for everyone.

 

According to a survey conducted at the end of 2024, 70.72% of users had received offers to invest in financial platforms of unknown origin, promising no risk and high returns.

62.08% of users reported receiving calls impersonating agencies or organizations (police, courts, tax authorities, banks, etc.) urging them to install software or threatening them with money transfers to prove their innocence due to alleged involvement in legal violations. 60.01% of users reported receiving notifications of high-value prizes or promotions, but with vague and unusual information.

Source: https://kinhtedothi.vn/ngan-chan-lua-dao-บน-khong-gian-mang-can-su-chung-tay.html