Exploiting administrative mergers for fraud

In recent times, as provinces, districts, and communes across the country implement administrative mergers, criminals have been taking advantage of the changes to carry out sophisticated scams, preying on public uncertainty and lack of information.

Common tactics include impersonating police officers or administrative officials to call residents and request updates to personal information due to changes in administrative boundaries. Scammers send fake links for people to log into, allowing them to install malicious software, take control of phones, and steal bank accounts. Others pose as officials offering to reissue property documents or household registration papers, claiming that failure to comply will result in loss of ownership, and demanding original documents and processing fees.

Fraudsters also impersonate power company or bank employees, phoning people to request customer code updates or changes to administrative details. They send fake bank messages, urging people to log in to avoid account suspension. In other cases, they instruct victims to pay via e-wallet or personal accounts for fraudulent vehicle registration plates or driver’s license updates linked to new administrative boundaries.

These scams have resulted in many victims losing hundreds of millions of VND, control over their bank accounts, or sensitive personal information. Elderly citizens, those in remote areas, and people unfamiliar with technology are among the most vulnerable. Authorities have urged the public not to provide personal information, bank details, or OTP codes over the phone or via messages from strangers; not to click unfamiliar links; not to install unverified applications; not to post ID cards or personal information on social media; and to report any suspicious activities or scams to the police immediately.

As Vietnam transitions to a two-tier local government system and implements changes in administrative procedures, citizens are advised to stay vigilant, safeguard their data, and avoid becoming targets for criminals exploiting the ongoing reforms.

Duc Anh