Vietnam Police Rescue Student from Scam Police Impersonator

Picture courtesy of VN Express

In a troubling incident, a 19-year-old student in Ho Chi Minh City was saved from a scam perpetrated by a fraudster posing as a police officer. The scammer accused the student of being involved in a drug case and demanded a hefty ransom of VND600 million (US$23,000).

The Ho Chi Minh City criminal police reported the successful rescue on Thursday, following a tip-off from the student's worried family in District 3. They had lost contact with their son after he received a suspicious phone call.

Acting swiftly, the police pinpointed his location and stormed a hotel on Hoang Sa Street in Phu Nhuan District. They found the student distressed and isolated, as per the scammer's instructions.

The young victim recounted receiving a call from someone claiming to be a police officer. He was told he was implicated in a significant drug case and needed to deposit money into a "police safe account" for verification. The caller even made a video call showing people in police uniforms and others allegedly confessing to collaborating with him.

Terrified, the student followed their orders, rented a hotel room, and transferred VND51 million to the fraudsters, believing his freedom depended on it. He was instructed to keep the matter secret, especially from his parents.

This incident mirrors another case in mid-May, where scammers tricked an 18-year-old into the same scenario, demanding ransom from his parents under the guise of a kidnapping.

The police emphasised that legitimate authorities would never conduct investigations or request money over the phone. All communications are done through written notices, not via informal calls demanding immediate action.

Authorities urge the public to be vigilant, never disclose personal or banking information over the phone, and avoid isolating themselves based on suspicious instructions. In case of doubt, individuals should contact the police by dialling 113 or visiting a nearby station.

Parents and educational institutions are encouraged to educate students about these fraud tactics, emphasising the importance of ignoring dubious phone instructions. By spreading awareness, the police hope to prevent further incidents and protect potential victims from similar scams.

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from VN Express 2025-06-30