In light of the increasingly sophisticated methods of fraud in gold trading activities, the Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BIDV) advises customers to remain vigilant and aware of common deceptive practices involving the impersonation of legitimate business entities for fraudulent purposes.
1. Scam Tactics and Methods
According to recent alerts issued by the State Bank of Vietnam and other relevant authorities, there has been a surge in fraudulent activities involving the falsification of corporate identities in the gold trading sector, including:
- Impersonation of Official Channels: Fraudsters create counterfeit websites, fanpages, and social media profiles that closely mimic those of reputable gold trading companies, using lookalike domain names, user interfaces, and logos to mislead customers.
- Dissemination of False Information: Scammers publish fabricated gold and silver price updates, promotional campaigns, and announcements of high-value rewards or discounts to lure unsuspecting individuals and gain their trust.
- Deceptive Investment Offers: Victims are invited to participate in online gold trading schemes with promises of exceptionally high returns, including daily or weekly interest payments—activities often designed to perpetrate financial fraud or violate legal regulations.
- Phishing Through Impersonation: Fraudsters may send messages or emails posing as representatives or executives of gold or silver trading companies, falsely notifying recipients of prize winnings or requesting personal data. These efforts aim to collect sensitive customer information for fraudulent use. Some schemes also involve exploiting leaked personal data to impersonate acquaintances or company employees via phone calls or social media applications.
2. Recommendations for Protecting Your Assets and Legal Rights
To safeguard your assets and legitimate interests, BIDV strongly advises customers to observe the following precautions
- Verify Official Sources: Always verify the authenticity of websites, fanpages, and shared links. Confirm business and transaction-related information through official channels such as BIDV’s website (www.bidv.com.vn), the BIDV SmartBanking application and by contacting our Customer Service Hotline at 1900 9247).
- Transact Only at Authorized Locations: Conduct gold transactions exclusively at establishments licensed by the State Bank of Vietnam. Ensure the presence of on-site staff, visible signage stating “Establishment Licensed by the State Bank for Gold Bar Trading”, and a publicly displayed copy of the official license in an easily observable area.
- Protect Your Personal Information: Do not disclose sensitive information such as personal identification details, account credentials, or OTP (One-Time Password) codes to any individual—including those claiming to be representatives of financial institutions or businesses.
- Report Suspicious Activity Promptly: If you suspect fraudulent behavior or potential attempts to misappropriate your assets, please contact the nearest law enforcement agency or reach out to BIDV via our Hotline at 1900 9247 for immediate assistance and guidance.
Thank you for your attention and cooperation!