[Important Alert] Update on New Fraudulent Behaviors Targeting Customers in Banking Transactions

Recently, high-tech criminal activity has been on the rise, with increasingly sophisticated methods and tactics causing significant harm to customers. To heighten awareness and ensure the security of your Current Accounts, Cards, and transactions, Vietnam International Bank (VIB) would like to update you on several common fraud schemes and provide safe transaction recommendations as follows:

New fraudulent behaviors include:

• Impersonating bank staff to offer advice and send emails prompting customers to click on links for non-existent promotional programs, such as: online card cancellation registration, temporary one-day card suspension, or a two-hour card lock to avoid annual fees; three-year annual fee waiver; fee maintenance notices with offers to help customers get refunds; or 10–15% cashback on purchases. Once trust is established, the fraudster requests sensitive card information (card number, CVV, OTP code), which is then used to make unauthorized purchases of goods and services.
• Running advertisements for unusually low-priced products, or sending emails/SMS notifications about expiring reward points or account verification requests, to lure customers into clicking links and entering card details. The information provided is actually used to link the card to the fraudster's mobile device. Once linked, the fraudster can carry out unauthorized payment transactions without needing the physical card.
• Impersonating websites or applications of public services (VNeID, Ministry of Public Security, Tax Authority, Social Insurance, etc.) to trick customers into visiting sites or installing malware-laden applications. Once installed, the malware can take control of the device, steal banking security credentials, and carry out unauthorized money transfers from the customer's account.
• Impersonating officials from government agencies (Police, Procuracy, Courts, etc.) using AI technology to make phone or video calls. These fraudsters create fake identities and images of government officials to apply psychological pressure, accusing victims of involvement in criminal cases or illegal activities. They then demand that victims transfer money or provide personal information such as bank account numbers, ID details, OTP codes, etc., in order to steal their assets.
• Impersonating employees of electricity, water, or telecommunications companies by calling or texting customers to claim unpaid bills and threatening service disconnection. The fraudsters then ask customers to connect via online messaging apps, directing them to suspicious links or to download fake applications containing malware. Once installed, the fraudster can seize control of the device, steal banking information, and conduct unauthorized transactions, putting the customer's account funds at risk.
• Exploiting vulnerabilities during physical card payments at point of sale, where fraudsters swap the genuine chip on a card with a counterfeit chip of similar appearance, then use the stolen chip to carry out fraudulent transactions.

To enhance customer protection against fraud, VIB advises customers:

DO NOT

• DO NOT share personal information, Card/Payment Account details, login credentials, passwords, OTP codes, etc. with anyone, in any form. VIB will never ask customers to provide security information in any form and will NOT send emails or messages containing links to customers.
• DO NOT follow instructions from anyone claiming to be a government official, utility company employee, card delivery staff, or bank employee via phone, text, or social media.
• DO NOT install applications or access links from unknown sources, and DO NOT grant Accessibility permissions to any application.
• DO NOT sell, rent, lend, or open Payment Accounts on behalf of others, as this enables criminals to exploit your information and account for illegal transactions. Selling, renting, lending, or opening accounts on behalf of others is a violation of the law.

SHOULD

• Only perform biometric authentication on the MyVIB digital banking app (for individual customers), the VIB Business/VIB Corp app (for corporate customers), or at VIB's business locations.
• Regularly check transaction notifications on MyVIB/Email and immediately lock your Card or Payment Account (via the MyVIB app or by contacting Hotline 1900 2200 / 1800 8195) if you suspect any signs of fraud. Always read OTP notification messages carefully for any unusual details. OTP messages always include information about the purpose of the card transaction and the name of the merchant.
• Report to authorities if you encounter any requests to transfer money or provide personal information, Card/Payment Account details.
• Proactively manage your Card/Payment Account/Deposits on the MyVIB digital banking app by: (i) temporarily locking individual payment functions (online/ATM/POS/contactless/overseas transactions) when not in use; (ii) adjusting daily card transaction limits, daily online card limits, and daily transaction limits on MyVIB as needed; (iii) enabling the Proactive Online Transaction Authentication feature if you wish to decline all online card transactions without OTP.
• Keep your card in sight or personally hand over/tap your card on the POS payment terminal at the point of purchase. Immediately lock and replace your card if you notice any abnormality with the chip.
• Stay informed about criminal methods and tactics through media outlets and VIB's official channels: 
  • Official website: https://vib.com.vn
  • Verified Facebook page: VIB – Ngân hàng Quốc Tế
  • Verified Instagram account: MyVIB Digital Bank
  • Verified Zalo account: VIB – Ngân hàng Quốc Tế
  • Digital banking apps: MyVIB, VIB Business, and VIB Corp
  • Online card application: Max
  • VIB Hotline: 1900 2200 / 1800 8195 or +84 24 62 585858 (international calls)
  • Customer service email: dvkh247@vib.com.vn
  • Calls from VIB can be identified here

Should you suspect any fraudulent transaction activity, please notify the 24/7 Customer Service Center at 1800 8195 (Priority Customer Hotline) and 1900 2200 (General Hotline), or send an email to dvkh247@vib.com.vn for assistance.

Sincerely, 
Vietnam International Bank (VIB)