Zalo users face account bans and hijacking risks

Users of the messaging platform Zalo are facing increased risks regarding account security and permanent bans. Authorities and environmental organizations have highlighted that sharing images or information related to the illegal trade of wildlife can lead to permanent account suspension. The Education for Nature Vietnam (ENV) reported that in 2025, they collaborated with authorities to handle 434 wildlife-related violations on social media, resulting in 128 administrative fines totaling over 1.796 billion VND.

Separately, cybercriminals are increasingly targeting Zalo accounts to conduct sophisticated scams. Tactics include impersonating Zalo staff to steal OTP codes or posing as government officials to trick users into installing malicious applications. Once an account is compromised, criminals use the victim's contact list and chat history to impersonate them, often demanding money from relatives through fake kidnapping scenarios or urgent financial requests.