Strengthening fraud prevention in banking activities in Dong Nai

Online fraud, especially high-tech fraud related to banking activities, is becoming increasingly sophisticated with the recent advancement of science and technology and social networks.

With the rapid development of science, technology, and social networks, online fraud, particularly high-tech scams related to banking activities, is becoming increasingly sophisticated.

Improving security and safety in online transactions

In recent times, credit institutions in the province have increasingly developed and expanded online banking services, integrating and effectively leveraging the National Population Database as part of the banking sector’s digital transformation strategy. Notably, banks have actively implemented biometric authentication in accordance with regulations and have enhanced the quality, security, and safety of their banking applications, services, and cashless payment transactions.

A staff member at a bank branch in Tran Bien ward assists a customer with biometric authentication for their bank accounts. Photo: Hai Quan

Nguyen Thanh Huong, a resident of Tran Bien Ward, Dong Nai Province, shared: “As soon as the regulation requiring biometric authentication for bank transfers and e-wallet deposits over 10 million VND came into effect, I went to a nearby bank branch for assistance in updating my biometric data as required. The first time I did it, I was a bit unsure when making a transfer, but I soon got used to facial recognition, which involves relatively simple and quick steps. Moreover, updating biometric data helps reduce the risks of account theft and money transfer fraud, so I feel much more secure.”

According to experts, performing biometric authentication is highly secure, limiting the possibility of fraud, scams, and risks during transactions. Because human biometric characteristics are unique and cannot be copied, biometric authentication is used to replace or supplement traditional identity verification methods such as passwords, ID cards, or PIN codes.

Furthermore, many high-tech criminals are currently using different tricks to cheat customers. The subjects open a series of bank accounts, virtual e-wallets, and transfer money around many accounts to erase the trace of money flow. Applying biometrics in online transactions will make it much more difficult to transfer money around, thereby contributing to reducing fraud.

In parallel, banks have proactively upgraded and developed payment infrastructures and digital applications to ensure continuous and smooth operations, as well as strengthening solutions to ensure information security and safety in payment and banking activities, protecting the rights and legitimate interests of customers, etc.

Banks also work closely with competent local authorities in managing and addressing banking-related activities. At the same time, they regularly send warning messages to customers about the emergence of individuals impersonating bank employees or call center agents to solicit credit card issuance for fraudulent purposes, thereby raising customer awareness of scams and the risk of property appropriation.

BIDV Bank staff at the Bien Hoa branch (Tran Bien ward) instruct customers on how to use online utilities and services through digital banking applications. Photo: Hai Quan

According to Bui Van Thanh, Deputy Director of the Bien Hoa branch of the Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BIDV), alongside the development of modern and user-friendly digital banking applications, BIDV is also actively promoting secure and safe solutions for transactions and banking services. In particular, the bank regularly requires customers to change the passwords of their money transfer applications and update to the latest app versions to enhance security features. Additionally, BIDV frequently sends OTT messages via its app to alert customers to ongoing fraud schemes in real time, helping them stay promptly informed and recognize common scam tactics.

“BIDV Bien Hoa Branch has proactively and actively implemented various solutions to support individual and organizational customers in updating their biometric data in accordance with proper procedures and regulations. This ensures that customers’ payment and transaction activities remain uninterrupted, safe, and secure,” emphasized Bui Van Thanh.

Strengthening propaganda and preventing signs of forgery and fraud early

In recent times, the province has seen multiple cases in which money was transferred into scammers’ accounts, only to be detected and blocked just in time by bank staff and police forces. These incidents serve as a warning, urging the public to remain vigilant against increasingly sophisticated scam tactics, especially high-tech fraud and asset appropriation in cyberspace.

Most recently, in early August 2025, Binh Long Ward Police coordinated with the staff of Agribank Binh Long Branch to promptly prevent a fraud case of appropriating 100 million VND from an aged woman in the ward. Accordingly, the form of fraud used by the subjects was to impersonate the police and call to inform H. that she was involved in a drug and money laundering ring, then request money transfers to "freeze assets". If H. did not transfer the money, she would be arrested.

A police officer of Binh Long Ward propagates and explains to H. about the fraudulent tricks to appropriate property. Photo: Provincial Police

When H. came to the bank to make a transaction, during the procedure, the bank staff noticed that she was showing signs of anxiety and abnormality, so they proactively discussed and reported the incident to the Binh Long Ward Police and coordinated the verification. Through direct review and discussion, the Ward Police determined that this was a scam over the phone, impersonating the police, so they promptly explained, reassured H., and prevented the money transfer.

Nguyen Duc Lenh, Deputy Director of the State Bank of Vietnam – Branch 2 (which oversees banking, monetary, and foreign exchange activities in Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai Province), shared: “The actions taken by bank staff, as mentioned above, are highly meaningful in the effort to prevent crime and fraud, while also contributing to improving service quality across the banking sector. These actions should continue to be encouraged and widely promoted within the banking industry across the region, thereby contributing to the effective prevention and timely intervention of fraud and property appropriation crimes, as well as supporting the All-People Movement to Protect National Security.”

A training activity on information security and warnings about cyber fraud took place in Dinh Quan commune. Photo: Hai Quan

According to Nguyen Duc Lenh, information and awareness-raising efforts play a vital role in preventing and combating fraudulent activities in the banking sector. These efforts are also an essential part of developing and delivering banking services, particularly electronic banking services. Notably, credit institutions in the area must work closely with the police in preventing high-tech crimes and regularly update customers on emerging forms of forgery and fraud, providing them with clear guidance. At the same time, banks should implement training and simulation exercises for their staff, especially those in customer service and transaction roles, so they are equipped to respond promptly and effectively to potential incidents.

Implementing measures not only ensures security, safety, and effective crime prevention but also contributes to improving the quality of banking services in the process of growth and development.

Deputy Director of the State Bank of Vietnam, Region 2 Branch, Nguyen Duc Lenh, advised: In the context that forms of fraud and impersonation (impersonating police, enforcement officers, tax authorities, electricity companies, etc.) via phone are still emerging and becoming more sophisticated, people need to constantly raise their vigilance, be cautious and calm in handling situations, and not follow the instructions of the subjects. At the same time, proactively contact the authorities and banks for specific advice and instructions to ensure the safety and security of personal and account information, as well as the safety of customers' assets.

By: Hai Quan

Translated by: Hong Van - Minho