On 29/7, Tang Chi Thuong, director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health, reported receiving complaints about these calls. The callers impersonate staff from the Department of Health, the Ho Chi Minh City Blood Transfusion Hematology Hospital, the Ho Chi Minh City Humanitarian Blood Donation Center, and other blood donation organizations. It's currently unclear who has been scammed or how, or why the perpetrators are collecting photos of ID cards and VNeID accounts.
According to Thuong, this is a new form of potential fraud that is causing concern among blood donors. It poses a serious threat to public safety, creates social disorder, and damages the reputation of the health sector and the humanitarian blood donation movement.
"People should not follow instructions from unknown numbers and should immediately report any suspicious activity to the authorities," the health official advised.
Currently, medical facilities and blood donation centers only contact people through official channels. Text messages sent to blood donors will display the brand names "BVTMHH" or "TTHIENMAUTP". The hospital does not request personal information through apps, Zalo, or any links. If in doubt, call the Ho Chi Minh City Blood Transfusion Hematology Hospital hotline at 028.3955 7858 to verify.
 |
Voluntary blood donation at a hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo courtesy of the hospital |
Voluntary blood donation at a hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo courtesy of the hospital
The health sector has been working with related units to raise public awareness and warn people through the "Golden Blood Drop" app, its official website and Facebook page, and SMS messages to blood donors. They advise caution, urging people not to provide personal information or follow instructions from scammers.
The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health continues to monitor the situation, stay updated on developments, and cooperate closely with authorities to protect the rights and information of blood donors.
Le Phuong
