Posing as police officers, online scammers manipulated the student into selling gold, borrowing money via loan apps, and isolating himself 350km away from home.
In a disturbing case of online impersonation and digital kidnapping, an 18-year-old student from Ho Chi Minh City was tricked by a group posing as police officers. After receiving a call from someone claiming to be an “investigator”, the student was led to believe he was involved in a criminal case.
The caller knew detailed personal information—ID number, bank account details—which convinced the victim of the legitimacy of the claim. He was instructed to join a Zoom chat room, where he saw multiple people dressed as police and prosecutors. These fake officials warned him not to contact anyone and pressured him into proving his innocence by transferring money to an “investigation account”.
Terrified, the student sold gold and borrowed money via online loan apps, transferring nearly 80 million VND to the scammers. He was then told to board a bus to Dak Lak Province, rent a motel, and wait for further “verification”.
On August 5, after the student lost contact with his family, they reported him missing to the police in Cho Lon Ward. Investigators quickly identified the case as an instance of “online kidnapping”, a growing cybercrime tactic targeting young people. Officers from Team 2 of the Ho Chi Minh City Criminal Police Department traveled over 350km to Buon Ma Thuot City and rescued the student from a motel.
According to police, the group’s strategy was to isolate the victim in a remote area to prevent tracing, and then extort ransom money from the family. Fortunately, the authorities intervened before any demands were made.
The student later admitted that despite being warned by his school about online scams, he still fell victim due to the sophistication of the impersonators.
Online Police Impersonation on the Rise
Authorities have warned that this type of scam—known as “online kidnapping”—is rapidly increasing. Criminals often impersonate police, prosecutors, or delivery staff through phone calls or video conferences. They claim the victim is involved in drug or money laundering investigations and must attend an online “interrogation”.
Once isolated, some victims have even been forced to tie themselves up or act distressed so the criminals can record videos to blackmail their families.
The Criminal Police Department has formed a dedicated investigation team to combat this crime, urging the public to remain cautious and report suspicious activity immediately.
Contact Information for Reporting Online Kidnapping Scams:
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PC02 Hotline: 0693.187.200
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Team 2 (Ho Chi Minh City Police): 028.3821.7080
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