Online Kidnapping Scams on the Rise in Vietnam, Targeting People Living Far from Home
HÀ NỘI — A growing wave of sophisticated online scams known as “virtual kidnappings” is spreading across Vietnam, with students and young people living far from home being targeted. Despite warnings and increased awareness, fear, isolation, and manipulation have led many to fall victim.
In these scams, criminals impersonate police, investigators, or prosecutors, accuse the victim of a fake crime such as money laundering, and pressure them into self-isolation in hotel rooms. Simultaneously, the scammers extort large sums of money from the victims’ families using urgent, emotional messages and fake social media accounts.
Rising Number of Cases Reported
One alarming case occurred on July 27 in Hà Nội’s Ba Đình Ward, when a man reported that his university-age son had been kidnapped. The father received a ransom demand of VNĐ250 million (around US$9,500).
Within hours, police located the student in a nearby hotel. He had been lured by a scammer posing as an investigator who accused him of a crime and instructed him to install a Zoom-based app. Under pressure, the student followed instructions, isolating himself and sending a distress message to his family, believing it to be part of a legitimate process.
Just days earlier in Việt Hưng Ward, a 16-year-old boy was found in a hotel after faking his own kidnapping under coercion. His family had received a demand for VNĐ300 million.
Pattern and Tactics
These scams follow a recurring pattern:
- Scammers gather public information and photos from victims’ online profiles.
- Fake social media accounts are created using the victim’s identity.
- The family receives emotional and alarming messages like:
- “Mom, I’ve been kidnapped!”
- “If I ask for money, I’m being forced!”
- “Call the police to rescue me.”
In the heat of panic, many families send money without verifying the situation.
Multiple Rescues in Recent Days
Between August 2 and 5, at least five victims were rescued by police in Hà Nội, HCM City, and Đắk Lắk:
- An 18-year-old student in HCM City asked his mother for VNĐ600 million, claiming he needed financial proof for study abroad. Police found him isolated in a hotel the same night.
- A third-year student disappeared from her dorm. Scammers demanded VNĐ600 million from her family; she had already sent VNĐ129 million when police located her.
- A high school student was lured 350km from HCM City to Đắk Lắk and isolated in a motel. He had sent VNĐ80 million before being rescued.
Many victims admitted they had heard of such scams before but still complied due to overwhelming fear and psychological pressure.
Expert Warnings and Parenting Advice
Journalist Hoàng Anh Tú, a former editor at Sinh Viên-Hoa Học Trò, highlighted the emotional vulnerability of many youths. He pointed out that social media often provides more emotional connection than family, due to parental absence or miscommunication.
“Young people are more willing to confide in strangers online,” Tú said. “Meanwhile, parents, burdened with life and work, may create emotional distance without realizing it.”
Tú urged schools to teach digital literacy, including:
- Recognizing online threats
- Identifying scam messages
- Knowing how to respond to digital coercion
He also encouraged parents to build trust and communication with their children instead of banning devices or apps.
“Ask your kids what they watch, what makes them laugh or sad. Be there—not to control, but to understand.”
“When children feel safe sharing their emotions, they’re less likely to fall into these traps,” Tú added.
A Growing Threat
With increasing reports of virtual kidnappings, Vietnamese police are urging families to remain calm, verify all ransom claims, and report suspicious activity immediately.
Authorities continue to investigate and track these online crime networks, but prevention may ultimately depend on stronger digital education and closer family relationships.
