Quang Ninh police warn of rising online child manipulation tactics during summer break

Police in Vietnam’s Quang Ninh province reported an increase in online schemes that target children during the summer holidays. Perpetrators create fake accounts on platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, Zalo, Discord, Telegram and various online games, posing as friends, celebrities, idols or fellow gamers to gain trust.

After establishing contact, they gradually manipulate youngsters’ psychology, encouraging them to share personal photos, private videos, social‑media credentials, bank details and OTP codes. The information can be used for fraud, extortion or the distribution of illicit material.

Authorities urge parents to supervise the amount of time children spend on the internet, limit unsupervised access to social media and games, and maintain regular conversations about online relationships. They recommend teaching children to recognize fake accounts, deep‑fake media and phishing attempts, and to prohibit minors from holding bank or financial‑linked phone accounts. Unusual behaviours such as secretive phone use, late‑night activity, anxiety, or receiving gifts or money from strangers should prompt immediate reporting to the police.