Vietnam police warn of online passport scams targeting citizens

The police in Ninh Bình province have issued a warning about increasingly sophisticated scams that exploit the online passport application service. Fraudsters create fake websites that mimic the national public‑service portal or the Ministry of Public Security’s site, prompting users to pay fees and submit personal identification documents, including ID numbers and facial photos.

Victims can suffer financial loss and the theft of personal data, which may later be used to register disposable SIM cards, open unauthorized bank accounts, or commit other illegal transactions. Authorities advise citizens to access the passport service only through the official government portal, avoid clicking unknown links received via messages or email, and never share personal identification numbers, OTP codes, or banking details with anyone over the phone or online.

For verification, users should contact the immigration management office at the listed phone number or check the status of their application through official channels.