A recent alert from the Government Information Portal has raised concerns for individuals holding multiple bank accounts. With the convenience of online banking, it has become common for people to open accounts at various banks, often neglecting some of them over time. Many users typically focus on just one or two accounts for salary deposits and payments, leaving others dormant and potentially forgotten.

This neglect can lead to a dangerous misconception: that dormant accounts, especially those with no funds, can be sold or rented without consequence. However, this practice poses significant legal risks. On September 24, authorities in Hai Phong reported that a suspect, Dang Truong Giang, was arrested for illegally collecting and trading bank account information. Giang had been purchasing online accounts for as little as 80,000 to 100,000 VND each, later reselling them at a profit.

Investigations revealed that Giang acquired a total of 114 bank accounts from various sellers. Authorities have since urged banks to halt transactions on these accounts and to clarify their intended use. The critical point is that even an account with a zero balance can be exploited for illegal activities, such as money laundering or fraud, if it falls into the wrong hands.

The Ministry of Public Security has repeatedly warned about the dangers of trading bank accounts. In July 2026, a group in Hung Yen was discovered engaging in similar illicit activities, purchasing accounts from students for a mere 200,000 to 300,000 VND each and reselling them.

Authorities emphasize that every bank account carries legal responsibilities for its owner. Selling or renting an account can lead to its use in scams or other cybercrimes. For instance, a case in Vinh Long involved the collection and trading of over 3,500 bank accounts to facilitate online gambling, with prices as low as 50,000 to 150,000 VND per account.

Not only does this practice expose individuals to criminal liability, but it is also subject to significant fines. According to Government Decree 340/2025/ND-CP, which addresses administrative violations in banking, individuals caught trading accounts may face fines ranging from 100 to 200 million VND, depending on the number of accounts involved. More severe cases could result in criminal charges, with penalties including imprisonment for up to seven years for those involved with large numbers of accounts.

In light of these developments, the police in Hanoi have issued a strong warning to the public: avoid any actions that could lead to legal trouble regarding bank accounts.