Task Scams in Vietnam
Fake Vietnamese online task platforms promising VND earnings for simple online work that require escalating deposits to unlock accumulated balances.
Part of: Task Scams
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Task scams are among the most frequently reported online frauds in Vietnam, with the Ministry of Public Security warning citizens multiple times about 'việc làm online' (online work) schemes that follow the task-and-deposit pattern. These scams are promoted through Zalo, Telegram, and Facebook as legitimate side-income opportunities.
Vietnam's high smartphone penetration, large youth population, and widespread familiarity with app-based gig work make task scam messaging highly resonant. Offers are often framed around tasks on real platforms like Shopee, Tiki, or Lazada — rating products or writing reviews — to seem credible.
How this scam works on Vietnam
A message arrives via Zalo or Telegram offering part-time work reviewing products on e-commerce platforms for VND[amount] per task. After joining a group, the victim completes a few 'free trial' tasks and sees a growing VND balance on a dashboard.
To withdraw or continue to higher-paying tasks, they must deposit VND to 'activate' their account or fund a task batch. Each completed batch leads to a larger required deposit. The fake group chat shows co-workers celebrating multi-million dong withdrawals — all staged.
Some Vietnamese variants tie the scam to real Vietnamese e-commerce ecosystems, showing task orders referencing Shopee Vietnam or Lazada Vietnam product links to appear legitimate.
Common red flags
- Unsolicited Zalo or Telegram message offering paid online tasks
- Deposit required before tasks can be completed or earnings withdrawn
- Dashboard shows growing VND balance that cannot be withdrawn without more deposits
- Group members constantly sharing withdrawal success screenshots
- Company cannot be found in Vietnam's national business registry (dangkykinhdoanh.gov.vn)
- Task platform mimics interface of real Vietnamese e-commerce sites
How to protect yourself
- No legitimate employer in Vietnam requires you to deposit money to receive work
- Search the business on Vietnam's national registry at dangkykinhdoanh.gov.vn
- Use established Vietnamese platforms for freelance work: TopDev, Upwork, or Freelancer Vietnam
- Withdraw from any group or platform the moment a deposit is demanded
- Report the Zalo or Telegram account to the Ministry of Public Security
How to report it
- Report at canhbaolua.vn (Ministry of Public Security online fraud warning portal)
- File a complaint with the local Công an (police) cybercrime unit
- Report fake Zalo accounts through the Zalo in-app reporting function
Frequently asked questions
What is canhbaolua.vn and how does it help Vietnamese fraud victims?
Canhbaolua.vn (meaning 'scam warning') is a portal operated by Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security that lists known fraudulent websites and phone numbers, accepts public scam reports, and provides guidance for victims. It is a key first stop for reporting online fraud in Vietnam.