Vietnam Scams: Online, Job & Investment Fraud Guide
Common scams in Vietnam and how to report to the Ministry of Public Security and your bank.
Emergency number: 113 (police), 112 (emergency) — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Vietnam faces significant online fraud including phishing targeting banking apps and e-wallets (MoMo, ZaloPay), fake investment platforms, task scams, and job offer scams. Vietnam is also a target country for pig-butchering and romance scams often run from regional organised crime operations. The Ministry of Public Security (bocongan.gov.vn) is the primary government body responsible for cybercrime, and local police (cong an) accept criminal reports. Banking fraud hotlines can help freeze transactions if contacted quickly enough — acting within the first hour after discovering a fraudulent transfer significantly improves the chance of recovery.
Common scams
- E-wallet phishing (MoMo, ZaloPay, VNPay)
- Fake investment platforms and unlicensed crypto schemes
- Task scams paying small amounts then requiring deposits
- Fake lottery or prize notification scams
Tourist-specific scams
- Overcharging taxis and motorbike taxis (xe om)
- Gem, tailor, and 'special deal' commission scams
- Rigged cyclo or tour pricing
Online shopping scams
- Banking app phishing impersonating Vietcombank, BIDV, or Agribank
- Fake online retail and social media shop scams
- SIM swap and account takeover fraud
Job scams
- Task scams requiring upfront deposits to 'unlock' earnings
- Fake overseas job offers (some linked to regional scam operations)
Romance scams
- Dating-app romance and pig-butchering crypto investment grooming
Investment scams
- Fake forex, crypto, and stock-trading platforms
- Community investment Ponzi schemes
How to report a scam here
- Contact your bank immediately to freeze the account and report the transaction
- Report to your local police (cong an) or Ministry of Public Security via bocongan.gov.vn
- Report online fraud to your provincial cybercrime police unit
Local reporting & protection links
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Bank & payment guidance
Contact your bank's official hotline immediately — do not use a number provided by the suspected scammer. Vietnamese banks can flag and attempt to hold fraudulent transactions most effectively within the first hour.
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot all messages, profiles, websites and payment pages
- Save transaction references, account numbers and crypto wallet addresses
- Keep emails with full headers where possible
- Note dates, times, names and phone numbers used
Frequently asked questions
How do I report a scam in Vietnam?
Report cybercrime and online fraud to your local police (cong an) or via the Ministry of Public Security portal at bocongan.gov.vn. For urgent bank fraud, contact your bank's hotline immediately.
Are task scams common in Vietnam?
Yes. Task scams — where you are paid small amounts for simple online tasks and then asked to pay a deposit to 'unlock' larger earnings — are widespread. The deposit is always stolen and the promised earnings never arrive.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance