Thanh Hoa Police warn of movie-watching scams targeting bank accounts

Thanh Hoa provincial police have issued a warning regarding sophisticated scams involving short-film applications that promise users money for watching videos. These apps lure victims with advertisements claiming they can earn millions of dong daily through simple mobile tasks.

According to authorities, the scams operate by showing fake balances that cannot be withdrawn. To reach a withdrawal threshold, users are often coerced into upgrading to VIP status or paying transaction fees. A primary danger involves directing users to download APK files from unofficial websites rather than legitimate stores like Google Play or the App Store.

Installing these unverified files can infect devices with malware, allowing criminals to steal personal data, contacts, messages, and images. If banking credentials or authentication codes are compromised, attackers can seize control of bank accounts and steal funds. Police advise citizens to remain vigilant against easy-money offers and to avoid transferring money to such platforms.