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Police in Vinh Long province recently issued a warning about a scam tactic that uses mobile apps to spoof a phone number and call others for malicious purposes. The apps can generate a number that imitates the hotline numbers of police, banks, or government agencies, or even display the name of a family member or friend saved in the contacts to make victims trust the caller. Notably, criminals can use this to threaten victims. Specifically, when the screen shows a number resembling the police or court, the other end may threaten the victim and demand money to a 'temporary hold' account to prove innocence. They can also display the caller ID of a bank’s call center to report an account error or an unauthorized deduction, and then ask the person to read an OTP to 'fix the issue'. To counter this scam, the police advise people to stay calm and hang up immediately. If the screen shows any name, and the content of the call involves transferring money, threats, or asking to read OTP, hang up immediately to avoid giving the scammer time to manipulate. Never call back from the call history. After hanging up, open the contacts or manually dial the number to call a relative or the agency. If you call back the real number, you will realize the previous call was a spoof. Citizens should also note that police or government agencies never work, issue summons, or request money over the phone. All matters must be handled in person at the agency. The police also warn that this is a very dangerous tactic, especially for older people who are less tech-savvy. Citizens should inform family members to take precautions. If you detect any signs of fraud, report to the nearest police agency for timely support.
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