Creating fake websites to scam
Ms. B.T. P (born in 1996, residing in residential group 25, Cao Banh, Ha Giang 1 ward) received a message from a strange phone number with the content requesting payment of traffic violation fines along with the link "dichvucong-tratien. com". The message clearly stated that if payment is not made in the month, additional fees will arise, making it easier for recipients to trust. After accessing the link, Ms. P was transferred to a website with an interface designed similar to the National Public Service Portal.
The system requires entering vehicle license plates to look up violations. After entering information, the screen displays a notification about a violation with a fine of 50,000 VND, and also instructions for online payment accompanied by information such as vehicle license plates, violation time.
Realizing that the website had many unusual signs, Ms. P did not conduct the transaction but went to Ha Giang 1 Ward Police to report and request support for verification.
Upon receiving information, Ha Giang 1 Ward Police determined that this was a fake website, showing signs of fraud and appropriation of property and personal information. Police promptly prevented Ms. P from transferring money and guided her to protect her bank account.
Raise vigilance
According to cybersecurity experts, the new trick is to build a fake website of the National Public Service Portal with an interface similar to the official page. The logo, color, layout and lookup process are all copied sophisticatedly, making it difficult for users to recognize with the naked eye.
The explosion of online public services and electronic payments is being exploited by cybercriminals to create a series of fake websites and links with an interface similar to the official page. As soon as users lose vigilance, access and enter personal information or bank accounts, all data can fall into the hands of fraudsters, becoming "fuel" for more sophisticated scam scenarios.
Talking to Lao Dong Newspaper, Senior Lieutenant Colonel, Dr. Dao Trung Hieu - Member of the National Cyber Security Association, said that if previously the main crime was attacks to infiltrate the system, now the subjects have aimed at appropriating resources, which are personal data; using data to individualize fraud scenarios.
Faced with the reality of continuously recording the situation of subjects impersonating the National Public Service Portal, Hanoi City Police recommends people: Do not access links sent via SMS, Zalo or social networks from phone numbers and accounts of unknown origin; Do not provide personal information, citizen identification numbers, bank account information, passwords, OTP codes to any individuals or organizations via telephone or on cyberspace;
The Police Agency and State agencies do not require people to transfer money to pay traffic violation fines through personal messages, calls or unofficial links;
Only look up traffic violation information and "cold fines" on official channels such as the VNeTraffic application, the website of the Traffic Police Department or the National Public Service Portal.
When detecting messages, calls or links showing signs of forgery, it is necessary to promptly notify the nearest police agency for guidance and handling according to regulations.
