Vietnam police and Agribank stop 250 million VND phone scam

On 13 July 2024, a 74‑year‑old resident of Quỳnh Mai, Hoàng Mai ward in Nghệ An province received threatening phone calls from fraudsters posing as police, prosecutors and court officials. The callers demanded that she transfer the entire balance of her account – about 250 million VND – to support a supposed investigation. Fearing for her family, she went to the local Agribank branch to carry out the transfer.

Bank staff noticed irregularities in the transaction and immediately alerted officers of Hoàng Mai police. Police arrived, explained the scam tactics, and advised the woman to halt the transfer. She complied, and the full 250 million VND was kept safe. The police and the bank later received a thank‑you letter from the victim’s family. Authorities used the case to warn the public to verify any such calls, avoid sharing personal or banking details, and to report suspicious requests to law‑enforcement.

The incident highlights the importance of cooperation between financial institutions and police in preventing telephone‑based fraud.