Scams disguised as healing services.

Taking advantage of the fact that many people experience psychological problems due to life and work pressures, unscrupulous individuals set up numerous scams disguised as healing services. When victims fall into these traps, they not only lose money but also develop additional health problems.

Courses that "cure the disease but make it worse"

"The treatment didn't cure me, and I even lost another 5 million VND," shared Ms. HKN, a resident of Vinh Thong ward. Ms. N said that in early 2025, after being laid off and facing immense financial pressure, she gradually began to experience emotional distress. To "rescue" her mental health, she sought out meditation and yoga classes online.

Many victims are scammed by participating in online meditation and yoga classes on social media applications.

Ms. N recounted: “I came across a video promoting a mindfulness meditation class on TikTok and contacted them to register. After sending my information, a person named Thuong called to confirm. Thuong added me on Zalo, sent me clips and images proving that students had participated in the course, and even showed me feedback from people saying that after taking the meditation class, their mental state improved, their complexions became rosy, and their personalities became more peaceful, so I trusted her.”

After receiving advice from Thuong, Ms. N agreed to register for the course. She transferred 2.5 million VND for tuition for 3 months and 2.5 million VND for reference materials. After completing the procedures, Thuong announced that the class would start in 2 weeks and would send the class link. However, on the scheduled date, Ms. N waited but received no contact. When she called and messaged, she discovered that Thuong had blocked all communication. The TikTok channel she used to follow had also blocked her and removed her from its follower list.

Headaches from encountering "fake experts"

Not only are people being scammed by "fake" courses, but many are also falling prey to fake psychology "experts." Mr. PTH, residing in My Thuan commune, confided: "Recently, my work has been disrupted, causing me to feel mentally unstable. Sensing signs of depression, I sought help from a psychologist. Because I didn't want my family to worry, I looked for online treatment services."

Mr. H was introduced by friends to a man who claimed to be a psychiatrist named Mạnh, who had studied in Nepal. Trusting him, he registered for a "meditation - turning inward" course aimed at awakening his inner strength, costing 3.5 million VND. In addition, he also bought various incense sticks to ward off "negative energy" in his house. In total, he transferred 7 million VND to Mạnh.

After about two weeks of meditation lessons, Mr. H began to have doubts when Mạnh sent him the incense and instructions for the next steps. “What Mạnh called healing aromatherapy was actually just incense sticks sold in the market, with a very foul smell that clung to bedding, curtains, and clothes. Mạnh also asked me to perform very unscientific methods such as staying up until 2 AM to ‘connect with the universe,’ leaving home to ‘understand myself,’ or ‘stripping naked and meditating on the grass’ to ‘return to nature’… Hearing this, I knew I had encountered a fake expert.”

When Mr. H repeatedly questioned the product's quality and the bizarre healing method, Mạnh stammered, blaming the damage to the fragrance during shipping. Then, Mạnh manipulated Mr. H psychologically by saying that the healing process was ineffective because Mr. H lacked faith, before blocking his communication and removing him from the group chat.

Besides fake courses and "experts," many people, especially young people, fall prey to scams involving the purchase of spiritual items such as necklaces, bracelets, and amulets, hoping to maintain peace of mind and body. In response to this situation, the Ministry of Public Security stated that scammers often target individuals with weak mental health to manipulate and control their behavior. Instead of receiving scientifically-based treatment, many victims are drawn into vague "healing paths" lacking professional basis, accompanied by demands for multiple payments or participation in activities beyond the scope of mental health support.

The consequences of these fraudulent services are very serious. When psychologically manipulated, victims easily fall into a state of dependence and lose faith in legitimate treatment methods. Many even have to borrow money or lie to relatives and friends to attend these "courses," causing deeper and more difficult-to-resolve psychological trauma.

The Ministry of Public Security advises everyone to raise awareness and remain vigilant when choosing psychological support services. Only seek out reputable, licensed facilities with clearly defined professional staff. If any unusual signs are detected, report them promptly to the authorities for timely action.

Participating in communication programs and skills training on mental health is also a way for each individual to equip themselves with a "shield" to protect against increasingly sophisticated scams, especially in the fields of psychology and healing.

TUONG VI

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/nhung-chieu-tro-lua-dao-nup-bong-dich-vu-chua-lanh-a463434.html