Preventing cyber fraud: need for cooperation

Although the authorities have taken drastic measures, cyber fraud and high-tech crimes are still occurring with an increasing number of cases, causing serious property damage and making people worried.

Virtual space - real damage

In the era of strong digital technology development like today, cyberspace has become an indispensable part of daily life. However, this development also brings with it many serious problems, in which cyber fraud is one of the forms of crime that is increasing and becoming more sophisticated.

Online fraud is a violation of the law. Photo: Hai Linh

According to the most recent survey by the National Cyber ​​Security Association, in 2024, the damage caused by online fraud is estimated to reach VND 18,900 billion. On average, for every 220 smartphone users, 1 person becomes a victim of fraud, corresponding to a rate of 0.45%. The number of victims of fraud is large, but the number of people who can get their money back is very small. When falling into a fraud trap, although 88.98% of users said they immediately warned and discussed with relatives and friends, only 45.69% of respondents said they reported to the authorities, this is a quite low rate.

Referring to the common forms of fraud today, Lawyer Nguyen Thanh Ha, Chairman of SBLAW Law Firm, said: “The forms of attacks on Internet users by scammers are very diverse and sophisticated. Typically, calling on people to participate in virtual investment floors; creating loan apps; impersonating state agencies, police agencies; impersonating lawyers... These forms of fraud come in many forms, from classic to updated forms from abroad...”.

Not only creating sophisticated scenarios, scammers have used many modern technologies such as: deepfake technology to create fake videos and voices; applying automatic tools (chatbots) to continuously communicate with victims; using specialized software on computers to make telecommunication calls, reaching many people at the same time... The use of high-tech applications makes many victims unable to distinguish between real and fake when exposed to fake content, leading to easy deception. Meanwhile, scammers often exploit the greedy and gullible psychology of victims to commit illegal acts.

Cyber ​​fraud is not just a simple trick but also a complex issue related to many aspects such as human psychology, information technology and law. One of the main reasons for the increase in cyber fraud is the lack of understanding of users about information security measures. Many people are still subjective and careless in protecting personal information, leading to easy victimization...

 

Online fraud is a violation of the law. Those who commit this violation will face administrative and criminal sanctions under the Penal Code No. 100/2015/QH13, which stipulates the crime of fraud and appropriation of property in Article 174.
Lawyer Nguyen Thanh Ha , Chairman of SBLAW Law Firm

Synchronous solutions, join hands

It is forecasted that in 2025, online fraud will likely increase due to the explosion of new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain technology, quantum computing, etc. Mr. Vu Ngoc Son, Head of Technology Department, National Cyber ​​Security Association - NCA commented: "Targeted attacks - APT, attacks using data encryption malware - upgraded ransomware and attacks on IoT devices will be 3 cyber attack trends that agencies, organizations and businesses need to pay special attention to in the coming time".

Therefore, to prevent fraud in cyberspace, there needs to be coordination between authorities, businesses and users. Specifically, authorities need to invest in developing AI technology and other technologies to detect and prevent fraud activities more effectively; improve the legal framework on cyber security, increase strict handling of online fraud; strengthen propaganda and education for people about forms of fraud and how to prevent them...

On the part of organizations and enterprises, it is necessary to upgrade the security system and at the same time provide tools to support users in identifying fraud risks. “Agencies and organizations need to proactively build and maintain a strong network security system: update software and systems periodically, equip basic network security solutions such as firewalls, anti-virus software, and backup data. In particular, it is necessary to continuously improve network security awareness and skills for the system management and operation team; organize regular network security training and drills; participate in network security alliances and associations to take advantage of the country's comprehensive resources…” - Mr. Vu Ngoc Son emphasized.

For users, it is necessary to raise awareness, regularly update knowledge about information security as well as share experiences with each other to form a safe online community. In addition, the first simple but effective measure that users should pay attention to is to absolutely not provide personal information to unreliable sources, and not participate in unclear investment programs.

In case of falling into a fraud “trap”, reporting to the authorities is essential to protect your rights and prevent illegal acts. This will help the authorities have timely information to investigate, collect evidence, thereby increasing the ability to arrest and handle fraudsters. On the other hand, reporting can also help the victim recover part or all of the stolen property, especially when the authorities intervene early and freeze the related assets.

In fact, each reported scam will contribute to building a database of the tricks and methods of operation of the subjects, thereby warning the community, preventing the subjects from continuing to commit fraud, causing damage to many others. Therefore, reporting not only protects individuals but also contributes to building a safer, more transparent, and healthier online environment for the community.

Cyber ​​fraud is a serious problem that requires the cooperation of the whole society to solve. Only when each individual, business and authority has awareness and responsibility, can we create a safe and healthy online environment for everyone.

 

Survey results at the end of 2024, 70.72% of users had received invitations to invest financially in exchanges of unknown origin but committed to no risk, high profits.

62.08% of users said they encountered calls impersonating agencies and organizations (police, court, tax, bank...) urging them to install software or threatening them to transfer money to prove their innocence due to involvement in law violations. 60.01% of users said they received notifications of winning prizes and high promotions but the information was very vague and unusual...

Source: https://kinhtedothi.vn/ngan-chan-lua-dao-tren-khong-gian-mang-can-su-chung-tay.html