Vietnam's stock market is attracting a large number of new investors. However, due to their lack of experience and financial knowledge, many have become targets of sophisticated scams.

Experts say that fraudulent investment offers with promises of "high profits, no risk" are among the most common approaches. Scammers often impersonate reputable fund management or securities companies to solicit capital. They spread unfounded rumors on social media and investment forums to lure inexperienced individuals. Some unlicensed securities and cryptocurrency exchanges operate as pyramid schemes, promising profits of tens of percent each month to entice and defraud investors.

Beyond these traditional tactics, scammers are now investing in sophisticated app interfaces, creating fake profiles, and developing elaborate schemes. They connect with investors through social media, build images of successful financial experts, flaunt extravagant profits from "secret" transactions, and then lure them into investments.

Their methods are increasingly diverse, from attractive advertisements and direct messages to impersonating entrepreneurs or overseas Vietnamese to build relationships and trust before gradually inviting investments. A common characteristic is that these individuals always refuse to meet in person, citing reasons like being abroad or on long business trips, even faking their locations to increase credibility. Some even pose as "fellow investors," leading victims to trust them and continue pouring in money.

Victims are often added to private groups on Zalo, Telegram, etc., with dozens of fake accounts acting as "expert signal providers" or "successful investors." These accounts constantly share images of money transfers and profits, creating a sense of a vibrant market and urging others to "seize the opportunity." When investors hesitate, these accounts apply constant pressure, making them fear missing out on a "golden opportunity."

Experts advise that the most effective self-defense for new investors is to stay alert, be vigilant, and equip themselves with basic knowledge.

When invited to invest, the first step is to carefully verify the information. Investors should only transact with organizations licensed by the State Securities Commission of Vietnam (SSC). The list of legitimate securities companies and fund management companies is publicly available on the SSC website. For publicly issued investment funds, investors should carefully review important documents like the Fund's Charter and Prospectus before making a decision.

To equip new investors with foundational knowledge, the Securities Research and Training Center (SRTC), under the SSC's Ho Chi Minh City branch, in collaboration with Dragon Capital, is organizing a free seminar titled "Befriending Investment" on the morning of 1/8.

Mr. Pham Hong Giang, Director of SRTC, said, "With the mission of training and developing high-quality human resources for the Vietnamese securities industry, SRTC always focuses on improving the knowledge and skills of the investor community, especially non-professionals and newcomers to the market."

"We expect that the training programs on basic investment knowledge, which SRTC is implementing in collaboration with Dragon Capital, will help new investors become more confident in their investment decisions and avoid scam risks, contributing to building a transparent and sustainable stock market. This is also the major goal that the SSC, the Ministry of Finance, and the Government are aiming for, to build a modern and efficient financial market in the new era," Mr. Giang emphasized.

The "Befriending Investment" seminar, held on the morning of 1/8. Photo: Dragon Capital

The "Befriending Investment" seminar, held on the morning of 1/8. Photo: Dragon Capital

At the seminar, Dragon Capital experts will share knowledge about personal finance, methods for selecting legitimate investment channels, how to distinguish scam models, and introduce indirect investment tools suitable for investors who don't have much time to follow the market. Attendees will be guided step-by-step, from defining investment goals and exploring suitable tools to developing the mindset of "understanding correctly to make investing enjoyable."

"We understand the confusion and risks that new investors face, and we believe that 'anyone can start right if equipped with sufficient knowledge.' Dragon Capital chose to partner with this seminar series with the desire to equip investors with the foundational knowledge to confidently begin and build their asset accumulation journey effectively and sustainably," shared Ms. Luong Thi My Hanh, Dragon Capital's Domestic Asset Management Director.

Minh Dang

The "Befriending Investment" seminar will take place at 8:30 AM on 1/8 on the 12th floor of the Grand Hotel, 8 Dong Khoi, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Interested investors can register to attend here.