Da Nang Police Foil Online “Kidnapping” Scheme Targeting College Student
Da Nang, Vietnam (October 7, 2025) — Authorities in Da Nang have successfully prevented a sophisticated online scam in which a group of criminals impersonating police officers coerced a female college student into isolating herself in a hotel for hours of “interrogation” via video call.
The victim, identified as T.H.L., 18, from Thanh Hoa Province, is currently studying at a local college.
The Scam: “You Are Involved in a Drug Case”
According to Huong Tra Ward Police, the suspects called L. claiming to be officers from the Ministry of Public Security, accusing her of involvement in a drug-trafficking case.
They told her she needed to prove her innocence or face a fine of 300 million VND (~US$12,000).
The fake officers ordered her not to tell anyone, insisting she follow their instructions or risk arrest.
Forced Into Isolation for an “Online Investigation”
Terrified, L. followed their directions and checked into Hotel M.T. in Da Nang, where she was instructed to participate in an “online working session” with the so-called police officers.
For several hours, 6–7 men dressed in police uniforms appeared on video calls, yelling, threatening, and psychologically manipulating the young woman.
They even demanded she travel to Ho Chi Minh City for further “interviews” with fake officers there.
Frightened and confused, L. repeatedly called her family to ask for large sums of money, claiming it was needed for the investigation.
Real Police Step In
Huong Tra Police said they detected suspicious activity when monitoring reports of unusual money transfer requests from L.’s family. Officers quickly traced her location to Hotel M.T. and arrived just in time to stop the scam.
They found L. in a state of panic but unharmed. Police provided counseling, reassured her safety, and launched an investigation to track down the fraudsters behind the scheme.
Authorities Warn of “Online Kidnapping” Tactics
Officials describe this as part of a new wave of telecom fraud known as “online kidnapping”, where scammers use psychological pressure to isolate victims and extort money from their families.
Police urge the public to verify any calls claiming to be from law enforcement and never send money or personal information under threat.
“Real police never conduct investigations online or demand payments,” a Da Nang officer emphasized.
“People must stay alert — these scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated.”
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Source: Vietnam Insider