Phone scams (Vishing) are the most common fraud type in Vietnam. Millions of scam calls are made daily. Remember these 11 signs to protect yourself.
Group 1: Phone Number Signs
- Unknown international numbers: Unfamiliar country codes like +1, +44, or unusual number patterns.
- Hidden number (Unknown): Authorities always display their number when calling, never hidden.
- Calls outside business hours: Police, courts, banks never call late at night or on holidays.
Group 2: Call Content Signs
- Claims to be a government agency: "This is the police department..." followed by threats of arrest for drug trafficking, money laundering.
- Demands secrecy: "Don't tell anyone, including your family" — this is a 100% scam sign.
- Demands immediate transfer: "Transfer to a safe account" to "assist the investigation".
- Prize announcements: "Congratulations, you've won a motorcycle" and requests fee payment.
- Automated voice start: Call begins with a robot voice then switches to a real person.
Group 3: Request Signs
- Requests OTP or PIN codes: No one has the right to ask you to read OTP codes over the phone.
- Requests installing unknown apps: Instructs to download .apk files or "security" apps outside app stores.
- Requests transfer to personal accounts: Government agencies don't have "personal accounts" to receive money.
The "10-Second Rule"
If within the first 10 seconds of a call you detect any of the above signs, HANG UP IMMEDIATELY. You don't need to be polite to scammers. Then report the number to VTrust.