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Since mid-2022, Ho Chi Minh City police have facilitated the online issuance of ordinary passports through the public online service portal, allowing citizens to complete procedures from anywhere using a smartphone or an internet-connected computer. While the service offers convenience and reduces the need to queue, it also creates opportunities for fraudsters to exploit people who are unfamiliar with online processes. The Ho Chi Minh City Police Department has issued an official warning about a rise in online passport services and the serious risk of personal data leakage.
According to the warning, social media posts today frequently advertise passport services that promise fast processing or guaranteed appointment slots. Behind these claims, perpetrators may run a profit-driven scheme that charges service fees far higher than government rates and requests victims to provide original personal information.
People seeking these services may be asked to submit images of their identity card, portrait photos, phone numbers, and even credentials for their digital identity account (VNeID), along with one-time password (OTP) codes. The police note that sharing such information effectively hands control of a person’s digital identity to fraudsters.
The police emphasize that the outcomes of personal data leakage can be unpredictable. Criminal groups may use leaked information to:
The public is also advised to be cautious of “runners” outside immigration offices who lure applicants with excessive fees. These intermediaries can lead to financial losses, distort records, disrupt the application process, and extend the time required to complete procedures.
In response, the Immigration Management Office of the Ho Chi Minh City Police Department calls for heightened vigilance. The safest approach, according to the police, is to complete registration and filing steps only on the official systems of the Ministry of Public Security and to never share OTP codes or VNeID account details with third parties.
If applicants encounter difficulties or uncertainties when submitting online, the police advise contacting immigration authorities directly for support and guidance rather than relying on instructions or promises from social media posts.
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