12 Arrested for Posing as Doctors, Health Experts to Defraud Customers

Police in Vietnam's Bac Ninh province have initiated a criminal case and detained 12 suspects accused of impersonating medical professionals to defraud clients. The group allegedly posed as doctors and health, beauty, and aesthetic experts, deceiving customers and illicitly obtaining millions of dollars.

Authorities discovered that the suspects exploited public demand for health and beauty treatments, as well as gynecological care. They used social media platforms to advertise their services, attract clients, and direct them to facilities they called "Health and Beauty Care Centers." To entice customers, they advertised highly effective services at low prices, starting from VND 199,000 (approximately $8 USD), promising complete cures, long-term warranties, and even lifetime guarantees against recurrence. They also offered double refunds if treatments were ineffective.

The suspects claimed to have experienced doctors and specialists from major Hanoi hospitals providing consultations and utilizing advanced technology for rapid results from the first session. The investigation, led by the Provincial Police's Internal Political Security Department, involved raids on two centers: Korea Beauty Center 68 in Bac Ninh and Dong A Beauty Center in Hung Yen. A third facility, Dong A Made U Totla Beauty Network in Bac Ninh, was also inspected.

During the searches, authorities seized over 60 types of unbranded medicines and cosmetics, syringes, gynecological instruments, surgical threads, scalpels, ultrasound gel, and other medical supplies. Many products lacked proper labeling, manufacturer information, or clear origins. Additionally, over 50 machines, all without proper labeling or documentation, were confiscated. Further raids on Dong A Beauty Center in Phu Tho province yielded more equipment and supplies. The investigation is ongoing, with 12 individuals formally charged with "Customer Deception."