Lam Dong Provincial Police, in collaboration with Hanoi City Police, recently dismantled a sophisticated online scam operation. The group defrauded hundreds of individuals across the country by selling fake Tet holiday bus tickets, preventing people from being defrauded of funds during the busy travel season. The operation was successfully concluded on 10/2.

The investigation began when Quang Khe Commune Police in Lam Dong, while monitoring cyberspace, discovered multiple Facebook accounts posing as reputable bus operators. These included "Nha xe Van Minh", "Phong dieu hanh ve", "Nha xe Viet Hung", and "Nha xe Hai Dinh". The accounts consistently posted advertisements for inter-provincial bus tickets, demanding deposit transfers to secure seats. Once payments were made, the scammers would sever contact with the customers and abscond with the money. At least two local residents were among the victims.

Phones and throwaway SIM cards used by Hoan's group to scam online bus ticket buyers. *Photo: Police provided*

Quang Khe Commune Police promptly gathered evidence and reported the findings to Lam Dong Provincial Police. This led to a collaborative investigation with the Criminal Police Department, the Cyber Security Department, and the High-Tech Crime Prevention Department. In mid-January, Lam Dong Provincial Police, working with Hanoi City Police, summoned three suspects for questioning regarding their illicit activities.

According to initial investigations, Tran Ngoc Hoan (25), Dao Duc Duy (30), and Vu Quang Huy (26), all residents of Hung Yen province, rented a house in Hanoi to conduct their criminal enterprise. The group systematically created numerous fake Facebook accounts and utilized throwaway SIM cards and unregistered bank accounts to receive bus ticket deposits. They then cut off all communication with their victims. In total, Hoan and his accomplices defrauded victims of over 200 million VND.

Evidence seized during the operation included multiple mobile phones, computers, throwaway SIM cards, and various related documents.

One of the social media pages created by this group to scam bus ticket buyers. *Photo: Police provided*

Lam Dong Police urged the public to exercise caution when purchasing bus tickets, goods, or services via social media platforms. They advised against transferring deposit money without thoroughly verifying seller details and to avoid transactions through personal accounts or untraceable phone numbers. If any signs of fraud are detected, individuals should retain evidence and report the incident to the nearest police authority.

Tu Huynh