‘5 No’s’ rule to help users escape clutches of online scammers

It advises internet users not to share personal information or disclose one-time passwords, click on suspicious links or pop-up ads, open unfamiliar attachments in emails or messaging apps, and transfer money at the request of strangers.

At the opening of the 2025 Anti-Online Fraud campaign, "Slow but Sure," last week, Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Dinh Do Thi said: "Once an OTP code is exposed, the money in your account could be stolen within 30 seconds to three minutes."

A rule called "Five Always" urges users to be conscious of information security, use strong and frequently updated passwords, rely on reputable software, stay informed about cybersecurity, and remain vigilant when conducting online transactions, he said.

The campaign aims to help people recognize early signs of scams and equip them with tools to reduce risks. Colonel Ha Van Bac, deputy head of the department, said authorities received tens of thousands of online fraud reports in 2024, with estimated losses running to nearly VND20 trillion (US$759 million). "More than 125,000 fake websites impersonating organizations and government agencies using hundreds of increasingly sophisticated tactics were discovered."

But the actual number could be even higher since many victims fail to report fraud, he said. Cybercriminals are leveraging AI, deepfake technology and encrypted messaging platforms to impersonate police, banks and even victims’ relatives, he said. They could create videos using the faces and voices of victims to steal assets and personal information.

Common scams include impersonating banking representatives, fraudulent AI investment schemes offering high returns, online job offers with unrealistically high salaries, and fake gift offers, all designed to deceive users into disclosing personal information or transferring money.

"Cybercrime evolves hourly and daily," Bac warned. "Without vigilance and cooperation, anyone, even experts, could become a victim."

Nguyen Lam Thanh, general director of TikTok Vietnam, said online scams are "blurring the boundaries between the real and virtual worlds." "In 2024, we removed more than 400,000 scam-related videos, 97% of which were detected and blocked before reaching users," Thanh said.

Experts agree that combating cybercrime requires collaboration between individuals, authorities and businesses. According to the Global Anti-Scam Alliance, losses from online scams exceeded $1 trillion in 2023, with Vietnam accounting for $16 billion. The National Cybersecurity Association estimated that online fraud caused VND18.9 trillion in losses in Vietnam in 2024.