Hanoi (VNA) – The E-commerce Development Centre (Ecomviet) under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) has issued a warning of the growing complexity of online fraud, emphasising that users will face two key threats - surveillance malware designed to steal information - and evolving online scams.
To protect themselves, users are advised to avoid clicking on unfamiliar links, particularly in emails or messages from unknown sources. It's essential to verify the source of applications before downloading them, ensuring they are sourced from official platforms such as the App Store, Google Play, or trusted product websites, authorities said.
Additionally, they suggested that users should minimise the use of public Wi-Fi networks when conducting sensitive activities, such as transferring funds or logging into accounts.
Ecomviet representatives highlighted that the rapid growth of e-commerce has led to a rise in online fraud. Official statistics reveal that in January 2025, authorities uncovered 72 new fraudulent websites. In total, nearly 125,600 fake websites are now listed in the national anti-fraud database.
Of the 72 newly discovered fraudulent sites, 30 were impersonating well-known e-commerce platforms and delivery services, such as Amazon, eBay, Taobao, Shopee, Vietnam Post, Giao Hang Tiet Kiem, and Giao Hang Nhanh. Another 16 were mimicking major brands including Facebook, Telegram, TikTok, VinGroup, Viettel, and VNG. Additionally, 15 sites were posing as government agencies, and 11 were pretending to be banks and financial institutions.
Ecomviet officials pointed out that these fraudulent websites are being used to scam individuals, causing financial harm, while also severely damaging the reputation and credibility of the organisations and brands being impersonated. In response, authorities are urging businesses and organisations to actively monitor and identify fake websites using their names, enabling early warnings to users. This proactive approach will help combat fraud, protect online safety, and safeguard the reputation of these organisations.
According to the MoIT’s E-commerce and Digital Economy Agency, in 2024, they processed 165 reports related to e-commerce violations, including issues like unregistered websites/apps, substandard products, and the impersonation of businesses to defraud customers.
In a notable step, the agency collaborated with police in localities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Dien Bien, Phu Tho, Quang Binh, Gia Lai, Bac Ninh, and Ninh Binh to verify violations across dozens of e-commerce websites and apps, including retamino68.com, cronbase2.one, vluky.com, 323.com, and tienlientaybb2.com. Furthermore, the agency reviewed several websites suspected of administrative violations and referred them to the Market Surveillance Agency for further investigation and enforcement in 2024./.
