The Ministry of Public Security has just issued a warning during the Mid-Autumn Festival, people need to be vigilant against scams in the form of sending gratitude gifts, Mid-Autumn cakes, vouchers or gift cards with QR codes.
When scanning the code, victims may be led to fake websites or asked to install applications containing malware to steal information and appropriate property.
Previously, police in many localities such as Hung Yen, Quang Ngai, Dong Nai... also simultaneously issued warnings about tricks to send postal items containing malicious QR codes to steal information and appropriate property.
Analyzing this content, on September 23, in an exchange with a reporter from Lao Dong Newspaper, network security expert Ngo Minh Hieu (aka Hieu PC) - Project Director for Anti-Fraudulent Fraud, member of the Vietnam National Network Security Association - said that content such as giving Mid-Autumn gifts, vouchers, support or subsidies to children can completely be used as "bait" for fraud, because these are topics that easily create goodwill and make parents lose vigilance.
The current trick is sophisticated in that subjects can build fan pages and websites that look very real, use logos and images of reputable units, and then send links or QR codes for people to register.
Initially, they only ask for information that seems normal, but then they can continue to request bank account information, OTP code, install applications or share screens to take control of the account and take money" - expert Ngo Minh Hieu said.
Notably, experts remind people to remember the principle: gifts should not be accompanied by requests to provide OTP, bank passwords, install strange applications or transfer money in advance.
When receiving a gift or voucher program, it is necessary to check directly on the website, official fanpage or contact the organizing unit via public phone number; do not access links or scan QR codes from unclear sources.
In particular, personal information of children should not be provided arbitrarily, as this data may continue to be used for other scam scenarios.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Security also recommends that in cases where QR codes have been scanned, links have been accessed, or information has been provided to suspects, people should quickly contact the bank to lock their accounts and take necessary security measures. At the same time, store postal items, QR codes, links, messages and transaction history to provide to the Police when reporting.
