Through impersonating law enforcement officers, scammers are able to manipulate victims psychologically over the internet—coercing them into isolating themselves at a designated location, inflicting self-harm, and sending photos or videos to their families. The criminals then contact the victim’s relatives to demand ransom. Cases of such “online kidnapping” are increasing, with losses reaching into the billions of VND.

Victims of “online kidnapping” are often teenagers and young adults—individuals who are vulnerable, lack life experience, and are easily manipulated. Under remote coercion, they are unable to resist.

To avoid falling prey to online scams in general, and “online kidnapping” in particular, Bkav experts advise:

• Stay alert to strange calls: Police or prosecutors never call or message via social networks to threaten or demand money transfers.

• Do not share personal information (ID card, bank account, home address…) via phone or social media.

• Never self-isolate on instructions from strangers: If someone asks you to cut off communication with family or friends, treat it as a red flag of fraud.

• Parents should regularly communicate with their children and guide them on how to respond to unusual situations.

• Schools and families should educate students about “online kidnapping” so they can recognize and avoid such scams in time.

Bkav