An interface of an electronic Li Xi application (Photo: VNA) Many people have fallen victim to increasingly sophisticated scams, which oftentarget gullible, greedy or technologically illiterate people.
Meta Platforms Inc., the tech company that manages two of the most popularsocial media platforms in Vietnam, Facebook and Instagram, recently warnedusers of several common online scams during Tet, including the "ElectronicLi Xi (Lucky Money)" scam.
Electronic Li Xi, done using links generated by electronic wallet apps such asMomo or VNPayQR, has become popular in recent Tet holidays. The user wouldshare this link or an image with the QR code for the recipient to click on orscan, and the money will be transferred to their electronic wallet account.
However recently, scammers have taken advantage of this convenient feature toimpersonate victims' acquaintances and send malicious links via social media ormessaging platforms, usually in the form of links. When users click on thelinks, they may inadvertently provide personal information and become victimsof scams or identity theft.
Scammers also fake text messages of banks, announcing that they have received agift from the bank. The content of the messages includes links to fake websiteswhich bear a similar interface to actual banking websites.
The fake website tricks people, requesting them to enter information such astheir bank account number and password. When the information is entered, thescammers will be able to access the bank account.
The Department of Information Security of the MIC recommends that users verifythe identity of the sender before receiving electronic Li Xi.
Users should be careful and vigilant to recognise suspicious signs in messages,such as spelling errors, brand impersonation, or overly large offers. Usersshould not provide personal information, accounts, passwords, VNeID, one-timeauthentication codes (OTP), ID card information or bank accounts to anyindividual or organisation through any form, or follow any instructions fromstrange phone numbers.
Meta also recommends users set up two-factor authentication to protect theironline accounts and reduce the risk of unauthorised access.
Fake online fortune telling scams
Another emerging scam during and after Tet is online fortune-telling. Socialmedia platforms like Facebook and TikTok have seen a rise in individuals posingas spiritual figures offering and advertising fortune-telling services. Theseadvertisements often target those seeking guidance or answers at the start ofthe new year.
Many people have fallen victim to online spiritual scams because they believein unfounded fortune-telling, leading to bad consequences for themselves andtheir families, wasting time and money, and bringing anxiety and confusion.
Authorities warn that engaging with these services can lead to financial lossand emotional distress due to misleading information.
The Department of Information Security recommends that people not get involvedin spiritual scams on social media. Users need to research carefully and verifythe source before making any transactions on social media to avoid beingscammed./.
VNA
