Many tech-savvy and successful people still fall victim to online scams.

Highly educated individuals, tech-savvy office workers, and successful people in Ho Chi Minh City are also targets of transnational fraud rings, as cybercriminals shift to using AI and deepfake technology to manipulate victims' psychology.

This warning information was provided to the press by the Ho Chi Minh City Police at a press conference on socio-economic issues on the afternoon of May 21st.

According to authorities, as the largest economic, commercial, and service center in the country, Ho Chi Minh City has long been a key target for high-tech crimes. Recently, online crime rings have been constantly changing their methods of operation. They are thoroughly exploiting new technological advancements such as artificial intelligence (AI), deepfake technology, malware distribution, or using online payment platforms to approach, surround, and manipulate internet users.

The police have identified four of the most common forms of fraud currently rampant: impersonating government officials, romance scams, financial investment scams, and spreading malware to gain control of bank accounts. These scams are meticulously planned, with sophisticated roles assigned from the initial approach and persuasion to the rapid money laundering and asset disposal stages.

Ho Chi Minh City police warn about online scams.

More worryingly, the majority of these networks operate transnationally, with close collaboration between domestic and foreign individuals. The fraud "centers" are often located in Cambodia, Myanmar, Dubai, etc., and utilize social media and messaging applications, according to the Ho Chi Minh City Police.

Furthermore, some individuals, after operating abroad, have returned to the country, secretly renting entire houses or operating under the guise of technology companies to organize scams using an industrial "assembly chain" model.

According to the Ho Chi Minh City Police, victims of online fraud can now be anyone, no longer limited to those lacking information or the elderly. Many cases involve highly educated individuals, those working in the technology sector, or those with stable financial situations, who still fall victim to scams due to a moment of carelessness or being preyed to for profit.

Criminals are very adept at exploiting people's lack of knowledge about information security, using psychological tactics that prey on greed with promises of sky-high profits and the ability to make money quickly.

The police also noted that many people have suffered negative consequences from participating in unhealthy activities on the internet such as online gambling, accessing sensitive content, borrowing money through illegal lending apps, or joining negative groups. Once they obtain the victims' personal information or sensitive private images, the perpetrators will resort to continuous threats and extortion.

Ho Chi Minh City police also warned about the alarming situation of personal data leaks and trading. While many organizations and businesses in the area are still not seriously implementing measures to protect user data, many people have a habit of being too open and carelessly sharing sensitive information on social media such as phone numbers, citizen identification numbers, bank account numbers, or private images.

Currently, criminals have become so sophisticated that they create fake forms impersonating banks or government agencies, or use specialized software to scan and exploit data online. Furthermore, there have been cases of employees of businesses intentionally stealing customer information to illegally trade it.

Online scams have become increasingly complex recently. (Illustrative image: tapchitaichinh.vn)

To protect themselves from fraud, the Ho Chi Minh City Police Department advises citizens to absolutely not provide OTP codes, bank account information, or passwords to anyone under any circumstances. They should also absolutely not click on strange links or install applications from unknown sources advertised online. Citizens should only download applications through official app stores such as the App Store or Google Play, and should carefully check the bank's website address before logging in.

In situations where you suspect your personal information has been compromised or you've accidentally clicked on a fake link, you should immediately lock your bank account, disable online payment features, and contact your bank's hotline for prompt assistance.

For businesses, the Ho Chi Minh City Police Department recommends proactively strengthening the security of their information systems and strictly complying with the regulations of the Cybersecurity Law as well as the Decree on the Protection of Personal Data.

In the coming period, authorities affirm that they will continue to intensify investigations and strictly handle illegal trading of personal data, while continuously updating information on new criminal methods and tactics to raise public awareness.

Source: https://danviet.vn/nhieu-nguoi-sanh-soi-cong-nghe-nguoi-thanh-dat-van-dinh-bay-lua-tren-mang-d1428540.html