The Hanoi Police have recently issued a critical alert about a new scam targeting families, particularly those with young children. This warning comes as reports have surfaced of individuals posing as police officers, calling residents to solicit personal information under the pretense of assisting with electronic identification registration for their children.

According to the police, the scammers typically claim to be officials involved in residency management or online public service support. They often inform parents that their child's identification data is incorrect or needs urgent verification. This leads to requests for parents to click on suspicious links, install fake applications, or provide one-time passwords (OTPs) to gain access to their bank accounts.

To enhance their credibility, some scammers even use images and attire resembling that of law enforcement officials during video calls. They may also spoof official government phone numbers to further deceive their victims. The police have emphasized that this tactic is not new, but it poses significant risks if parents are not vigilant. If they follow the scammers' instructions, they could unwittingly allow these criminals to take control of their phones, collect personal information, biometric data, and OTPs, leading to unauthorized bank transfers.

To avoid falling victim to these scams, the Hanoi Police recommend that residents adhere to the following guidelines:

• Do not follow instructions from strangers over the phone, Zalo, or social media regarding electronic identification registration for children. Such registrations must be conducted in person at police stations to ensure information verification.
• Avoid clicking on unfamiliar links, installing applications sent by others, or providing personal information, bank account details, passwords, or OTPs.
• Do not transfer money or pay any "activation fees" or "verification fees" requested by callers.
• Refrain from downloading public service applications from unofficial sources (outside of App Store or Google Play).
• If you receive suspicious calls, remain calm and verify the information. Do not follow the caller's instructions and report the incident to the police for verification and guidance.

The police urge anyone who suspects they have been targeted by such scams to report to the authorities immediately for assistance and to prevent further victimization.