Rising Trend: Cyber-Attacks Targeting Smartphone Users in 2024
Cybersecurity experts have been warning about the rise of cyber-attacks targeting smartphone users in 2024, and recent reports from the Cybersecurity Authority of the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) have highlighted a new online scam tactic that is becoming increasingly prevalent.
The tactic involves fraudsters impersonating bank employees to guide victims through biometric verification processes, ultimately stealing their assets. With the new regulation requiring biometric data updates on banking apps effective from July 1st, scammers are taking advantage of this by posing as bank officials and requesting personal data such as home addresses, ID card photos, and bank account information. In some cases, they even go as far as persuading victims to participate in video calls to capture their voice, facial expressions, and gestures.
But impersonating bank employees is just one of the many online scam tactics being used by fraudsters. Other common tactics include installing fake public service applications, promising high-paying jobs with minimal effort, impersonating fraud prevention centers, and using WhatsApp for various scams.
One recent incident involved a resident in Trung Hoa Ward, Cau Giay District (Hanoi) who was scammed out of 1.2 billion VND by a fraudster posing as a police officer. The victim was directed to install a fake public service app via a link in a message, allowing the fraudster to control the device and transfer money from the victim’s bank account.
In another case, a woman in Chon Thanh Town (Binh Phuoc province) lost over 2.3 billion VND in a scam promising high-paying, easy jobs. The fraudsters befriended the victim on Telegram, offering a job listening to music and voting for singers with a promised payment of 35,000 VND per vote. After downloading a fake Zing MP3 app and paying deposits, the victim was scammed out of all the transferred money.
With cyber-attacks targeting smartphone users on the rise, it is crucial for individuals to be cautious when sharing personal information online and to verify the authenticity of any requests for sensitive data. Users are advised to avoid clicking on links from unknown contacts, never provide personal information or transfer money without verifying the sender’s identity, and to stay informed about the latest scam tactics being used by fraudsters.
Stay safe and vigilant in the digital world to protect yourself from falling victim to online scams.