Recently, on social media platforms such as Facebook, Zalo, and TikTok, many fake fanpages have appeared impersonating major news outlets such as VTV, Vnews, and Hanoi Television, posting information claiming that the State Bank of Vietnam is “supporting refunds for victims of online scams.” The purpose of these criminals is to trick victims into providing personal information, bank account details, OTP codes, or transferring “verification fees,” thereby appropriating all the money in their accounts.
Many people have fallen for the scam because the perpetrators use logos and images of news agencies, even editing videos featuring TV hosts and anchors to advertise false information. According to Bkav experts, this is an old and simple trick but still effective because people tend to trust familiar and credible visuals. Therefore, staying alert to any information on the Internet is never redundant. Citizens must not believe in any claims promising quick refunds, especially when such content appears as social media advertisements. This is a tactic exploiting people’s desire to get their money back, used by scammers to steal assets.
People are strictly advised not to provide personal information or OTP codes online, and not to interact with unverified fanpages, even if they display logos of news agencies, the Ministry of Public Security, or feature images of well-known, familiar figures.
Experts also warn that users should not click “allow” on unfamiliar websites, not copy or paste commands into terminals, and not download applications from strange links, as doing so poses a high risk of virus infection. If a device is suspected to be infected, immediately disconnect from the Internet and change passwords using another secure device.
It is important to scan the system with professional antivirus software, because built-in antivirus programs included with operating systems are only designed to meet basic protection needs and are not capable of defending against modern ransomware or deeply embedded, long-term viruses.
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