Google, Public Security Ministry launch nationwide anti-scam campaign
The campaign is a landmark public-private initiative aimed at equipping Vietnamese citizens with the tools and knowledge to identify and avoid sophisticated online scams.
THE HANOI TIMES — Google has partnered with the Department of Cybersecurity and Hi-tech Crime Prevention and Control under the Ministry of Public Security to launch a nationwide anti-fraud campaign "Prevent Online Scams - Safer with Ministry of Public Security and Google."
Debuted in Hanoi on June 26, the campaign is a landmark public-private initiative aimed at equipping Vietnamese citizens with the tools and knowledge to avoid sophisticated online scams, reinforcing the secure digital foundation necessary for a digital society.
The nationwide campaign "Prevent Online Scams" is launched by the Ministry of Public Security and Google. Photos: Google Vietnam
The campaign will release a series of eight one-minute educational videos co-produced by Google and the Department of Cybersecurity and Hi-Tech Crime Prevention and Control experts. The videos explain the seven most common types of online fraud, including fake investment platforms, romance scams, and impersonation of authorities and educational institutions. They will provide users with actionable prevention strategies.
Over 200 YouTube content creators have joined the initiative that gives engaging and relatable storytelling, interactive games, and creative content on anti-scam education, with a focus on vulnerable user groups.
Speaking at the launch event, Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Ba Son, the department's deputy director, highlighted public awareness in reducing online fraud and the role of tech multinationals in Vietnam, saying that building a safe and healthy online environment requires the collective effort of society.
Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Ba Son, Deputy Director of the Department of Cybersecurity and Hi-tech Crime Prevention and Control, speaks at the event.
He said this campaign reflects the creativity, determination, and collaboration among different stakeholders in protecting citizens in cyberspace.
Marc Woo, Managing Director of Google Vietnam, said the partnership with the Ministry of Public Security aims to build a more secure digital environment for all Vietnamese citizens.
Vietnam has seen a sharp rise in cybercrime. According to the Ministry of Public Security, over 6,000 cybercrime cases were reported in 2024, with estimated damages exceeding VND12 trillion (US$461.2 million). A recent survey also revealed that 70% of the population has encountered at least one scam call or message per month.
Since 2021, Google’s “Safer with Google” initiative has provided Vietnamese users with the knowledge needed to safely navigate the digital world, including programs such as “Be Internet Awesome” for children and “Online Safety" for seniors.
In December 2023, Google launched a first-of-its-kind initiative with Vietnam’s Authority for Information Security to label verified government applications on Google Play.
Starting with over 80 apps, including VNeID and VssID, the "Official Government App" badge now identifies more than 110 applications, helping users distinguish legitimate apps from impersonation scams.
Through joint efforts in platform security, user education, capacity building, and rapid response, Google and the Ministry of Public Security aim to curb online fraud and improve the digital environment.
