According to provincial police, several platforms, including XM and Binance, have recently introduced incentives for new accounts, offering bonuses of around 20% of the initial deposit, with some rewards reportedly reaching up to US$10,000.

Some foreign individuals, mainly Chinese nationals, entered Vietnam and approached residents in border communes to solicit personal information. They allegedly used mobile phones to photograph citizens’ ID cards and capture facial images from multiple angles, asking individuals to verify information on their devices.

After collecting the data, the individuals reportedly paid about CHY100 (approximately VND380,000) per person as a “thank-you” fee and indicated they would return to gather additional biometric information for similar compensation.

Police said the scheme’s purpose is to use Vietnamese citizens’ identities to register new accounts on trading platforms in order to benefit from promotional policies. The acts constitute serious violations of Vietnam’s regulations on personal data protection, authorities said.

Investigators warned that the illegally obtained data could also be misused for other unlawful purposes, including registering loans through illicit apps, forging documents, opening bank accounts or fake social media accounts, or conducting fraud and asset appropriation schemes. Individuals whose identities are used may face significant legal risks, reputational damage and financial losses.

To prevent violations related to the purchase, sale and illegal collection of personal data, police urged residents to remain vigilant against offers of money or gifts in exchange for providing personal information.

Citizens are advised not to share ID cards, facial images, authentication codes or bank account details with unknown individuals or organisations. Authorities also recommended strengthening personal data security, particularly online, and regularly updating security measures for electronic accounts.

Police seize 22 heroin blocks in Laos-Vietnam trafficking case

VOV.VN - Nghe An provincial police have busted a cross-border drug trafficking ring operating from Laos into Vietnam, arresting one man and seizing 22 blocks of heroin.