Warning issued over impersonation of military, police officers for scams in Vietnam

Authorities in Vietnam's Quang Tri province have issued a public warning against a sophisticated scam operation where criminals impersonate military and police officers to defraud businesses. The perpetrators employ tactics designed to build trust before defrauding unsuspecting merchants.

Commonly, these scammers use profile pictures of themselves in uniform and claim to be officers from various military or police units. They then place large orders for goods such as construction materials, fertilizers, or agricultural products, or book large banquets. To legitimize their orders, they provide forged documents, including fake entry permits, invoices, and other official-looking certificates.

Once trust is established, the scammers often claim the business lacks sufficient stock and offer to introduce alternative suppliers with attractive profits, or they pressure the business owner to pay a deposit or advance payment for the goods. In some cases, they might send a small initial payment to further build confidence. After receiving the money, the scammers either disappear, cut off contact, or deliver substandard or incorrect goods, failing to meet the agreed-upon terms.

One recent incident involved an individual posing as an officer from the Gio Linh District Police Detention Center who ordered a large quantity of bunk beds from an aluminum and glass company. The suspect presented forged entry permits and warehouse exit slips. The business owner became suspicious upon noticing discrepancies in the company name and tax identification number on the documents, prompting them to cease communication and warn other local businesses. Authorities advise the public and business owners to thoroughly verify the identity and affiliation of individuals making large orders, especially when advance payments are requested. They stress the importance of confirming details with the purported unit before any transaction and reporting any suspected impersonation immediately to the nearest military or police station.