People are warning each other about new scams impersonating banks.

"Redeem your reward points for gifts"

Fraudsters using fake base transceiver devices (IMSI catcher, also known as fake BTS stations) often disguised in cars, travel near BTS stations located at banks to spread messages impersonating major banks... with the aim of stealing information and money from users' accounts.

This device emits a stronger signal than a real cell tower, causing phones in the area to automatically connect and receive fake "branded" messages. The message content is very convincing, displaying the bank's name along with a strange link. When the user clicks on it, a fake bank interface appears, requesting login or OTP code entry, allowing the "hackers" to completely control the account and steal money.

One of the most common scams today is "redeem reward points for gifts." The messages often read: "You have accumulated 10,000 points, please access this link to redeem a gift such as an iPhone 15 Pro, Smart TV, etc." Because the messages display the bank's name and the content is appealing, many people are caught off guard and fall into the trap.

Mr. Hoang Quoc Huy, residing in Thuan Hoa ward, shared: "I received a message from Vietcombank announcing a points redemption program for an iPhone 15 Pro. Seeing the bank's name, I trusted it. After entering my information as instructed, 7 million VND was deducted from my account. When I called the hotline, I learned that the bank doesn't have any such program. The bank's customer service representative stated that all points redemption, gift redemption, and promotional programs are announced through the official app or website, and never via SMS. This is a scam using fake brand messages, exploiting customers' trust to steal money."

From "blocking credit cards" to providing OTP codes.

Not content with just "exchange points for gifts," scammers are now impersonating bank employees, calling customers with unactivated or unblocked credit cards, warning them of "fees and high interest rates" if they don't act quickly. Because they have accurate information about names, ages, addresses, and card limits, the scammers use threats and psychological manipulation, making users believe they are real bank employees and thus lower their guard.

After confusing the victims, making them believe it's real and wanting their cards blocked as quickly as possible, they send fake links under the pretext of "confirming card blocking" or "verifying information," which are actually malware installed to gain control of the phone, steal OTP codes, and steal money from the account.

Ms. Hoang My Huong, residing in My Thuong ward, received a call from someone claiming to be an employee of the " VietinBank Support Center," threatening that if she didn't block her credit card and didn't activate it, annual fees amounting to millions of VND would be charged. "Although I received a credit card when I applied for a loan, I didn't use it and hadn't activated it. When I heard the fake employee read out information that perfectly matched, I didn't suspect anything. Worried about the fees, I was eager to block the card. So I followed the instructions, clicked on the link to 'block the card,' and just a few minutes later, all the money, over 2 million VND, in my payment account was withdrawn," Ms. Huong recounted.

Authorities warn that this is a pre-planned scam, preying on people's fear of losing money, especially with information about "huge" interest rates if they have even small debts on their credit cards. Once victims provide the OTP code or log into the fake website, the scammers immediately withdraw money or transfer virtual funds to e-wallets.

Despite the authorities' efforts to raise awareness and guide people in identifying bank impersonation scams, and banks' warnings that they will never ask customers for OTP codes or access links outside of their official applications, not everyone has kept up with the latest fraudulent tactics.

Victims need to widely share information about new scam tactics to raise awareness. Everyone should absolutely not click on any links in suspicious messages, even if the message displays a bank name. Do not share your OTP code, login information, card number, or password with anyone, including those claiming to be bank employees. Carefully check the website address: official bank websites always have a .vn or .com.vn domain and display a security padlock icon. If you suspect you've been scammed, immediately call the bank's hotline, temporarily block your card or account, and report it to the police. People should also avoid installing unfamiliar applications, games, or utilities from unknown sources, as they may contain malware that allows attackers to access your phone, read messages, including OTP codes.

Along with the efforts of authorities and banks, the vigilance of the public is the first and most effective "shield" to prevent high-tech crime.

Text and photos: VY VY

Source: https://huengaynay.vn/chinh-polit-xa-hoi/phap-luat-cuoc-song/thu-doan-mao-danh-ngan-hang-mat-tien-trong-chop-mat-160001.html