[Important Warning] Update on new fraud activities targeting customer assets in banking transactions ahead of the Lunar New Year

As the Lunar New Year approaches, online fraud is becoming increasingly complex with sophisticated tactics, causing significant losses to customers. To heighten vigilance and ensure the security of your current accounts, cards, and transactions, Vietnam International Bank (VIB) would like to update you on common fraud methods and provide the following safety recommendations:

New fraudulent activities:

1. Impersonating bank staff to approach customers with various scenarios:

• Assisting with biometric authentication by persuading customers to connect via social media or messaging apps and requesting personal information, photos of Identity documents, facial images, or video calls to collect voice and gestures — all intended to gain control of the customer’s Current Account or use the information for illegal purposes.
• False promotions: Offering non-existent deals like 3-year annual fee waivers, advice to temporarily deactivate/lock cards to avoid fees, or 10%-15% cashback. Once trust is gained, they request card security info (card number, CVV, OTP) to perform unauthorized purchases.
• Card opening assistance: Approaching customers on social media as "support staff" or "insiders" to help open cards. After approval, they use excuses like "card verification" or "limit activation" to trick customers into scanning QR codes or making transactions to steal funds.

2. Malicious advertising & communications: Running ads for unusually cheap products or sending emails/SMS for service renewals to trick customers into clicking links and entering card details. They then link the card to a mobile wallet under their control to perform card-less transactions.

3. Fake Public Service Websites/Apps: Impersonating government portals (VNeID, Ministry of Public Safety, Tax Department, Social Insurance, etc.) containing malware to take over devices, steal banking security info, and transfer money out of accounts.

4. Impersonating government officials: Calling or texting to notify customers of "Lunar New Year support funds" or "Unemployment Insurance" payments, then luring them to access strange links, download fake apps, or open malicious files.Travel & Booking Scams: Impersonating booking agents for trains, planes, or hotels to offer cheap holiday packages. They send fake booking codes to build trust and demand immediate deposits or guide customers to enter info on malicious links/apps, then block contact or take remote control of the device.

5. Exploiting the "Holiday Rush": Impersonating relatives or friends on social media and using "emergencies" to pressure customers into transferring money quickly.

To protect yourself from these scams, VIB strongly recommends:

DO NOT:

• DO NOT provide personal info, Card/Account details, usernames, passwords, or OTPs to anyone. VIB never asks for security information in any form.
• DO NOT follow instructions from anyone claiming to be government officials, card couriers, or bank staff via phone, SMS, or social media.
• DO NOT install apps or access links from unknown sources. DO NOT grant "Accessibility" permissions to suspicious apps.
• DO NOT sell, lease, lend, or open current accounts for others. This is a violation of the law and enables criminals to use your account for illegal transactions.

SHOULD:

• ONLY perform biometric authentication via the MyVIB app (for individuals), VIB Business/VIB Corp (for organizations), or at VIB branches.
• REGULARLY check transaction notifications on MyVIB/Email. Immediately lock your Card/Account via MyVIB or Hotline (1900 2200/ 1800 8195) if fraud is suspected.
• REPORT to authorities if you encounter requests for money transfers or personal/banking information.
• DO proactively manage your Card/Current Account/Deposit through the MyVIB Digital Banking application by: (i) temporarily locking individual payment functions (locking online/ ATM/ POS/ contactless/ international transactions) when not in use, (ii) adjusting the daily card transaction limit, daily online card limit, and daily transaction limit on MyVIB according to your needs, (iii) enabling the Active Online Transaction Verification function if you wish to reject all online card transactions without an OTP.
• DO always keep your card within sight or insert/tap your card directly on the POS device at the merchant. Immediately lock and replace your card if the chip shows any signs of abnormality.
• DO regularly update yourself on criminal methods and schemes via the media and VIB's official information channels at:
  • Website: https://vib.com.vn
  • Verified Facebook: VIB – Ngân hàng Quốc Tế
  • Verified Instagram: MyVIB Digital Banking
  • Verified Zalo: VIB – Ngân hàng Quốc Tế
  • Banking apps: MyVIB, VIB Business, VIB Corp
  • Max Online Card Opening App
  • Hotline: 1900 2200 / 1800 8195 or +84 24 62 585858 (for overseas calls)
  • Customer Service Email: dvkh247@vib.com.vn
  • Verify VIB phone calls here

In case of suspected fraud, please immediately contact our 24/7 Customer Service Center at 1800 8195 (Priority Customers) or 1900 2200 (Standard), or email dvkh247@vib.com.vn for assistance.

Sincerely, 
Vietnam International Bank (VIB)