On 26/8, during a transaction, Bui Thi Sen, the owner of a jewelry store, noticed unusual behavior from an elderly couple. The two appeared tense, exchanged worried glances, and seemed anxious to sell their jewelry. Sen proactively engaged them in conversation, but initially, they only stated an urgent need to complete the transaction.

Upon further inquiry, the 76-year-old man revealed he was following instructions to transfer money to a stranger who claimed to be the chief of Yen Hoa commune police. Recognizing that the customers might be victims of a scam, Sen advised them to stop the transaction and escorted them to the Thien Cam Commune Police headquarters (formerly part of Cam Xuyen District) to report the incident.

Sen (far left) with the elderly couple at Thien Cam Commune Police on 26/8. Photo: Public security provided

Speaking with police, the 76-year-old man, residing in Yen Hoa commune, stated that a day earlier he received a call from someone identifying as Nguyen Van Hung, the Chief of Yen Hoa Commune Police. The caller claimed the man's identity had been stolen to open a bank account in Hanoi with over 69 million VND, intended for illegal activities.

The stranger then demanded the man transfer the stated amount to a designated account for "verification purposes," promising a full refund upon completion. Fearing unexpected bank debt, the elderly man believed the story. Lacking sufficient cash, he and his wife brought half a tael of gold to the jewelry store in Thien Cam commune to sell for the money, intending to transfer it to the self-proclaimed police chief to "prove their innocence."

After police explained the situation, the couple realized they were victims of a scam and abandoned their plan to sell the gold.

Leaders of Thien Cam Commune Police commended Sen's vigilance and quick thinking, which prevented the fraud and protected the customers' assets.

Police advise citizens to halt transactions and report to the nearest police station if they receive calls from individuals claiming to be law enforcement officials who demand money transfers or secrecy for "investigation purposes."

Duc Hung