Beware of the “Accidental Transfer” Scam Used to Trap Victims into Illegal Lending

Recently, many individuals have unexpectedly received money of unknown origin transferred into their bank accounts. Shortly after, a stranger contacts them, claiming the money was sent “by mistake” and demanding its return. This is a fraudulent scheme, and PTF urges customers to remain highly vigilant.

How the scam works:

Using sophisticated methods, fraudsters collect personal information such as names and phone numbers. They then intentionally transfer money to the victim’s bank account. The goal is to force the victim into an unwanted loan. Once the money is received, the scammers impersonate debt collectors from a financial company, pressuring the victim to repay the amount as a high-interest loan.

PTF strongly advises customers to take the following precautions to avoid falling victim to this scam:

1️⃣ If you receive an accidental transfer, do not use the money for personal expenses. Work directly with your bank to return the funds, and never send money back to a stranger without a verified third party as a witness.

2️⃣ If you receive a call from a “bank representative,” verify the phone number to ensure it belongs to an official bank. You can also proactively contact your bank to report the mistaken transfer and request verification. For added security, visit a bank branch in person to confirm. If you suspect a scam, report it to the authorities immediately for legal action.

3️⃣ Never share confidential information such as your account login password, one-time transaction password (OTP) with anyone, in any form. Be cautious of requests to access suspicious website links, log in, or provide account details.

4️⃣ Avoid sharing personal information like phone numbers, addresses, ID card numbers (CMND/CCCD), or bank account details publicly on social media platforms.

Spread this information to help prevent fraud and protect yourself and your community!