Vietnam authorities warn of rising online rental and deposit scams

Authorities in Vietnam are warning the public, particularly students and workers, about increasingly sophisticated rental scams targeting those seeking housing online. As the new school year approaches, scammers are exploiting the high demand for accommodation by posing as real estate brokers or landlords.

Common tactics include posting attractive properties at prices significantly below market rates to lure victims. Scammers often pressure individuals to transfer deposit money immediately to “reserve” a room, claiming high interest from other potential tenants. In more advanced schemes, criminals have been known to rent properties on a daily basis to act as legitimate landlords during viewings, deceiving victims into transferring larger sums before cutting off all communication.

Beyond financial theft, police warn that these criminals may also attempt to collect sensitive personal data. Victims are often asked to provide photos of national ID cards, bank account details, and facial images under the guise of contract verification. This information can subsequently be used for identity theft, fraudulent account openings, or other criminal activities.