On 28/1, the Ministry of Public Security announced a surge in online scams before and during the Tet holiday, a period marked by booming demand for vacations, accommodation bookings, and tour purchases.

Authorities detailed common tactics, including the creation of fake websites and social media accounts that impersonate reputable hotels, resorts, and travel companies. These fraudulent platforms often purchase verified badges to enhance their credibility. They list prices below or matching official rates, then ask customers to transfer deposit money, and subsequently cease all communication.

Fake website. *Photo: Ministry of Public Security*

Another prevalent scam involves fraudsters posing as travelers needing to "urgently liquidate tours" at prices significantly below market value. To entice victims, they provide fabricated invoices, images, and customer reviews. Initially, these scammers engage in small transactions to build trust, before appropriating larger sums and disappearing.

Some signs of fraud. *Photo: Ministry of Public Security*

Criminals also target accommodation providers by sending emails that impersonate legitimate booking platforms. These emails typically request payment confirmation, information updates, or room cancellations, often including links containing malware. Accessing these malicious links can lead to device compromise, data loss, or unauthorized withdrawals from bank accounts.

The Ministry of Public Security advises individuals and business owners to thoroughly research service providers, prioritizing reputable and licensed travel agencies. Users should never access suspicious links, install applications from unknown sources, or provide one-time passwords (OTPs) to others.

A page showing signs of fraud with a history of frequent name changes. *Photo: Ministry of Public Security*

Upon detecting unusual activity or becoming a victim of these scams, individuals should immediately report the incident to the nearest police authority for guidance and resolution.

Nhat Vy