On 7/8, the Thai Nguyen Provincial Police Investigation Agency issued a notice seeking victims in a case occurring in Quan Chu commune.

According to the police, from June to August, four female collaborators at a Viettel branch in Dai Tu, Thai Nguyen province, exploited the customer data standardization process, including citizen identity updates and biometric data updates, to collect customer information. They obtained citizen identity numbers and facial images to open unauthorized bank accounts.

After opening the accounts, they seized control and engaged in illicit transactions. Police urge any victims or individuals affected by this scheme to contact the Thai Nguyen Provincial Police Investigation Agency or their local commune police for guidance and resolution.

Groups buying and selling data and bank accounts on Telegram. Photo: Trong Dat

Groups buying and selling data and bank accounts on Telegram. Photo: Trong Dat

A Quan Chu commune resident reported that around mid-June, after registering for information standardization in his hamlet, he updated his phone subscription information as instructed by staff. The female staff members collected his citizen identity number and facial image.

Later, at the end of July, he discovered a VPBank account opened using his phone number. He was baffled, having never opened an account at the bank himself.