The Public Administration Service Center of Hanoi has alerted citizens to a new scam that targets pensioners. Fraudsters are posing as officials and making phone calls to request personal information, claiming it is necessary to update social insurance records.

This warning comes during a peak period of support for pension recipients, as outlined in the city’s plan to ensure the continuous and compliant disbursement of pensions and social insurance benefits. The center is collaborating with the city's social insurance agency and local authorities to facilitate this process.

However, reports have surfaced from citizens regarding individuals impersonating officials, asking them to visit local offices to supplement their insurance information or to download applications to obtain a queue number. Some scammers are even requesting sensitive information such as national ID numbers, bank account details, and OTP codes, or instructing victims to perform actions on their phones.

The Public Administration Service Center emphasizes that citizens should only obtain queue numbers through the official iHanoi application. They do not require anyone to download any applications, provide OTP codes, passwords, or bank account information through unsolicited calls or messages.

To protect their rights and prevent fraud, citizens are advised not to download any unfamiliar applications or follow links sent via phone for registration, queue numbers, or insurance record updates. They should also refrain from sharing their national ID numbers, bank account information, OTP codes, passwords, or any personal details with individuals whose identities have not been verified.

For assistance with the authorization process for receiving pensions and social insurance benefits, citizens can contact the hotline at 024 1022, option 7, or visit the nearest public service support point for guidance. The center has also committed to providing free support at residents' homes for the elderly, vulnerable individuals, and families in need, in accordance with the peak support process.

During home visits, officials will work closely with local authorities, carry identification, and guide citizens in establishing authorization documents for their relatives to receive pensions and social insurance benefits. Citizens are assured that they will not need to download applications, transfer money, or provide OTP codes or bank account information to complete these procedures.

If any instances of impersonation are suspected, citizens are encouraged to report them immediately via the hotline or notify the nearest police station for appropriate action. The center also urges local governments, media, and community organizations to widely disseminate this warning to help raise awareness among citizens, especially the elderly and those receiving pensions and social insurance benefits, to avoid becoming victims of fraudulent activities.