Southeast Asia faces the growing challenge of scams and fraud. The Global Anti-Scam Alliance reports that the region experienced a loss of USD 23.6 billion to scams over the past year, with 63% of internet users encountering fraudulent schemes.
In Vietnam, this issue is also top-of-mind for digital economy stakeholders. Like other areas in the region, Vietnam is increasingly facing the growing threat of online scams and fraud. In 2024, authorities documented 10,000 online fraud cases, with estimated losses nearing USD 759 million (VND 20 trillion). From January to August 2025, there was a significant increase in reported cases, rising by 65% compared to the previous year, resulting in losses exceeding VND 1.6 trillion. The data illustrate the urgent need to bolster national resilience and improve cross-border cooperation in the fight against increasingly advanced and transnational cybercrime.
In this context, the Tech For Good Institute (TFGI), in collaboration with the Institute of Human Geography and Sustainable Development (IHS), hosted a public seminar titled “Building Resilience Against Online Frauds and Scams in Southeast Asia: Spotlight on Vietnam” at the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences on 7 November 2025. This event is part of TFGI’s ongoing regional dialogue aimed at enhancing resilience against online fraud and scams in Southeast Asia.
The seminar provided a platform for discussing the current state of online scams and fraud in Southeast Asia from multidisciplinary and multi-level perspectives. It brought together representatives from government agencies, academics, industry, and not-for-profit organisations to explore the landscape of online scams and fraud in the region.
The seminar offered a multidisciplinary and multi-level forum to discuss the current landscape of online scams and fraud in Southeast Asia. It gathered representatives from government agencies, academia, industry, and social organisations to explore the regional challenges posed by these issues.
Speakers
- Prof. Bui Quang Tuan, Former Director of Vietnam Economic Institute, Vice President of Vietnam Economic Association
- Pham Thi Thu Phuong, Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Human Geography and Sustainable Development, IHS
- Nguyen Thanh Binh, Lecturer, Phenikaa University
- Tran Ngoc Anh, Defensive Team, Cypeace
- Le Van Hung, Vice Director, IHS
- Citra Nasruddin, Programme Director, TFGI
- Keith Detros, Programme Manager, TFGI
Key takeaways
- Given the interconnected nature of scams, cybersecurity, and online safety, it is critical to strengthen data governance
Participants emphasised the interconnected relationships among scams, cybersecurity, and online safety. This underscores the need for a holistic approach focused on strong data governance. The foundation of many scams is found in the misuse of leaked or inadequately protected personal information, an issue that is increasingly concerning in Vietnam’s digital environment. The National Cybersecurity Association reported that 66.2% of Vietnamese users indicated that their personal information had been leaked and used without authorisation. In 2024, the scale of the issue surged significantly, with 14.5 million leaked accounts (representing 12% of the global total) revealing both personal data and sensitive business documents to the risk of criminal exploitation.
Addressing this challenge requires a thorough approach that addresses both the technical and institutional origins of data leakage. Government agencies are actively engaged in creating a national database infrastructure designed to facilitate unified information management and enhance coordination among enforcement units. Participants highlighted the necessity for more robust policies and regulatory measures to improve data protection standards, especially in combating cybercrime and AI-driven scams. Businesses, particularly in the banking and technology sectors, hold important roles. Collaboration between the public and the private sectors is necessary to come up with frameworks and specific initiatives for collective responsibility.
- Combating scams effectively requires addressing human behaviour alongside technological solutions
Speakers consistently highlighted that scams are not merely a technological issue, but rather they are fundamentally rooted in psychological and social dynamics. Fraudsters exploit emotions such as anxiety, fear, greed, empathy, and trust to manipulate victims into making irrational decisions. This manipulation of behaviour enables scams to persist and evolve, even amidst increasing public awareness.
Experts also highlighted the disparity between perception and reality regarding online safety. In 2023, the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) reported that 55% of Vietnamese respondents felt confident in their ability to identify scams. In addition, 70% indicated they had encountered scams at least once a month. It is important that confidence in detecting scams should translate to real ability to identify fraudulent messages. In addition, different population groups face distinct risks. Young individuals are adept at navigating digital platforms, but they often struggle with the psychological maturity required to recognise manipulative strategies. Older adults, who may not be as comfortable with technology, can be more easily misled by figures of authority, such as police officers or bankers.
Participants emphasised the necessity for targeted awareness initiatives that go beyond conventional information campaigns. Proactive and experiential learning methods, including simulated phishing exercises, gamified training, and storytelling with relatable examples, should be expanded. Technology can play a supportive role in human-centred defence. These can be through virtual assistants or chatbots that can provide real-time assistance to users facing threats. Effectively addressing scams requires a combination of technological innovation, behavioural insight, education, and design that prioritises empathy.
- Regional cooperation must be operationalised through structured mechanisms to tackle transnational scam networks
The discussion underscored that scams have transformed into a transnational and organised industry, operating across borders. Large-scale scam centres have been uncovered and dismantled in neighbouring countries and frequently located along border regions. These operations are characterised as complex criminal economies.
The transnational nature of this issue means that no individual country can tackle the threat alone. Participants highlighted the importance of enhancing international cooperation via established multilateral and regional frameworks. ASEAN member states need to continue to enhance their collaboration on information sharing, conduct joint investigations, and align their legal standards. In addition to regional efforts, global collaboration and various international law enforcement networks are crucial for monitoring financial transactions, breaking down cross-border networks, and ensuring that offenders are held accountable.
The UN Convention against Cybercrime, known as the Hanoi Convention, has been acknowledged as a significant advancement and a possible foundation for future partnerships. The legal framework enables the sharing of evidence and coordinated enforcement actions across different jurisdictions, providing a structured approach for countries to work together in combating cybercrime.
- A whole-of-society approach is needed to build awareness, accountability, and coordinated action against scams
Speakers reaffirmed that internet fraud and scams are prevalent issues necessitating a coordinated response from society as a whole. To enhance public resilience and trust, governments, corporations, financial institutions, law enforcement, social organisations, and the media each must play their vital roles.
Participants noted that citizens often face difficulties when attempting to report fraud. In such cases, calls or concerns may go unanswered, leading to frustration and discouraging further reporting. Restoring public confidence could be achieved by implementing systems that ensure prompt responses and feedback. Alongside a focus on oversight, a preventive approach is also necessary. This should be supported by stricter penalties for cyber fraud, and improved coordination among agencies.
The role of the private sector is equally crucial. In order to prevent financial losses, banks and financial institutions can also establish emergency response systems that could quickly detect and stop fraudulent activities. Digital economy companies can enhance prevention through deploying fraud detection methods, improving platform security, and continuing efforts in user education.
At the societal level, effective communication and education serve as powerful tools. Participants suggested using public places to spread anti-fraud messages and hotlines. However, at the fundamental level, building collective intelligence regarding scam tactics will require encouraging victims to report incidents in the first place.
Catch the event reel here:
