Cao Bang Police warn of land data impersonation scams

Police in Cao Bang province have issued a warning regarding a fraudulent scheme where criminals impersonate officials to steal assets. Scammers are posing as cadastral officers, Land Registration Office staff, or tax officials by exploiting the ongoing government efforts to update and synchronize land data.

The criminals use realistic information and procedures to gain trust, eventually requesting sensitive data such as citizen identity cards, land use certificates, phone numbers, and bank account details. In some instances, they direct victims to install malicious applications disguised as software for “verifying” or “updating land data,” which can allow attackers to seize control of devices and steal OTPs or banking credentials.

To create a sense of urgency, scammers threaten victims with penalties, frozen files, or restrictions on land transactions if they do not comply immediately. They often demand payments for “data update fees” or “record adjustment fees.” Furthermore, some perpetrators utilize Deepfake technology to mimic the voices and images of officials during video calls to make their impersonation more convincing.