On 9/12, Ms. Thao, 45, reported to Cam Xuyen District Police that her online boyfriend, who introduced himself as a 'successful businessman', was extorting her for 4 billion VND. He threatened to disseminate sensitive videos and images she had shared with him if she did not transfer the money into a fraudulent CME GROUP trading platform.

The incident began on 11/12, when Ms. Thao connected with a Facebook account named Nguyen Dinh Hung. Hung claimed to be a successful businessman residing in Hanoi. After a short period of online conversations, Ms. Thao developed feelings for him, despite never meeting in person. During their intimate conversations, trusting her online partner, Ms. Thao sent him several 'sensitive' videos and images, which he saved.

In early November, the 'successful businessman' invited Ms. Thao to invest in a high-profit scheme on a fraudulent CME GROUP virtual platform. According to authorities, this platform entices investors with promises of massive and stable returns, typically 10-30% per month. Initially, fabricated profits are displayed to encourage further deposits. However, when victims attempt to withdraw funds, the scammers demand 'tax fees' and 'verification fees' before ultimately absconding with the principal investment.

The woman reported the incident to the investigating agency. Photo: Police provided

Initially, Ms. Thao hesitated to participate due to a lack of funds. However, her online partner then turned hostile, sending her private videos and images via message, demanding she deposit money for the investment. Fearing exposure, she borrowed money and transferred 400 million VND to the platform.

Subsequently, the 'successful businessman' demanded she transfer an additional 4 billion VND to the CME GROUP platform, threatening to spread the sensitive videos on social media and send them to her relatives if she refused. Overwhelmed with panic, Ms. Thao reported the incident to Cam Xuyen District Police on 9/12.

Upon investigation, police identified the Facebook account Nguyen Dinh Hung as belonging to an overseas scammer, and confirmed that the CME GROUP platform was fictitious. Ms. Thao later realized the deception, withdrew from the platform, and blocked her 'boyfriend's' account.

Police warn that this is a common tactic where scammers exploit social media and virtual romantic relationships to threaten, extort, or force victims to transfer money into fake virtual trading platforms. The public should remain vigilant, avoid transferring money at the request of strangers, and report any suspicious activity to authorities.

Duc Hung

*Victim's name changed