In 2025, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that consumers lost more than 12.5 billion USD to fraud schemes — the highest figure ever recorded. The Vietnamese community in America, particularly elderly people and recent immigrants, is among the most targeted groups. This article will help you identify the most common schemes, know how to protect yourself, and understand what to do if you unfortunately become a victim.
Why is the Vietnamese community so often targeted?
Scammers choose their targets carefully. They know that many Vietnamese people — especially older generations — tend to trust people who speak their language, hesitate to ask questions out of politeness, and are unfamiliar with the American legal system. Additionally, language barriers prevent many people from knowing where to seek help or are too embarrassed to tell anyone.
Even more dangerous, scammers often introduce themselves as "Vietnamese people," speak fluent Vietnamese, and even mention familiar temples, organizations, or restaurants to create a sense of familiarity and trust.
5 Most Common Fraud Schemes You Need to Know About
1. Government Impersonation Scam
This is the number one scheme targeting elderly Vietnamese people. Scammers call claiming to be agents from Immigration Services (USCIS), Social Security Administration (SSA), or even the IRS — the federal tax agency. They tell you that you are under investigation, about to be deported, or have unpaid taxes. To "resolve it immediately," they ask you to transfer money via gift cards or money transfer apps.
The truth: According to the FTC, no U.S. government agency ever requests payment via gift cards or cash through apps. If you receive such a call, hang up immediately.
2. Romance Scam
Scammers create fake profiles on social media or dating apps, build relationships over weeks or months, then suddenly "need money urgently" for accidents, illness, or being stuck overseas. According to the FTC, in 2024, Americans lost over 1.14 billion USD to this scheme — and most victims had no idea they were being deceived.
Warning signs: the person confesses feelings very quickly, always has reasons not to meet in person, and eventually asks for money.
3. Cryptocurrency Investment Scam
Also called "pig butchering" — scammers "fatten up" victims by gradually building trust, then luring them into investing in fake cryptocurrency exchanges. Initially, they show very high "phantom" profits to get victims to deposit more money. When you try to withdraw, the exchange closes and your money disappears.
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), in 2023 alone, Americans lost over 4.57 billion USD to cryptocurrency-related fraud schemes.
4. Immigration Service Scam
This scheme specifically targets immigrant communities. Scammers claim to be "lawyers," "immigration experts," or even "notarios" — a term in Latin America meaning notary public, but NOT authorized to practice law in America. They charge high fees, file paperwork incorrectly, or simply take the money and disappear.
Important note: Only licensed attorneys or accredited representatives are allowed to provide legal advice on immigration matters, according to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).
5. Phone and Text Scams
Messages like "Your package is being held, click here to confirm" or "You won $500, claim it now!" are phishing traps (attempting to steal personal information through fake links). Once you click, you risk exposing your bank account information, Social Security Number, or passwords.
Comparison Table: Real vs. Fake Signs
| Situation | Real | Fake |
|---|---|---|
| Government agency contact | Sends official mail | Calls, demands immediate payment |
| Profitable investment | Has risks, returns not guaranteed | Promises "100% guaranteed" returns |
| Immigration lawyer | Has a Bar number (verifiable license) | No license, claims only by word of mouth |
| Prize notification | You registered for the drawing | Completely unexpected, requires upfront fee |
| Payment request | Official bank transfer | Gift cards, Zelle, cash |
How to Protect Yourself and Your Family
Golden rule number 1: Stop and don't rush. Scammers always create pressure saying "you must do this right now or it's too late." That is the clearest red flag. Hang up, step outside for fresh air, then call a family member for advice.
Golden rule number 2: Verify independently. If someone claims to be from the IRS or USCIS, hang up and look up the agency's official phone number on its .gov website, then call back yourself. Don't use the phone number the person provided.
Golden rule number 3: No one deserves gift card payments. The IRS doesn't accept them. SSA doesn't accept them. Police don't accept them. If anyone asks you to pay with iTunes, Google Play, or any gift card — that is 100% fraud.
Specific steps to protect your entire family:
- Create a "secret code" within the family to verify during fake emergency situations.
- Place a free fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
- Use two-factor authentication for email and bank accounts.
- Never share your Social Security Number, birth date, or bank account number over the phone or email.
- Regularly check your free credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com — under federal law, you can view it free once per year from each credit bureau.
Talking to Your Parents and Grandparents: How to Avoid Losing Face?
This is a real challenge in many Vietnamese families. Elderly people often feel embarrassed when younger relatives "correct" them. Instead of saying "Mom/Dad don't believe those things," try this approach:
- Tell a true story from news outlets or people you know who fell victim — let your parents draw their own conclusions.
- Establish a family rule: "We agreed that anyone in the house who receives a strange money transfer request will call the rest of us before doing anything."
- Ask questions instead of giving orders: "Can you tell me about that call? Let's look at it together.
According to AARP's Institute on Aging Policy Research, people 60 and older make up over 40% of fraud victims in America — but this is not because they lack intelligence, but because scammers have carefully studied this generation's psychology.
If You Fall Victim: Don't Stay Silent, Report It
Many Vietnamese people stay silent out of embarrassment or think that once money is gone, it cannot be recovered. But reporting promptly can help your bank stop the transaction, help investigators catch the scammer, and protect others in your community.
Report here:
- FTC (Federal Trade Commission): ReportFraud.ftc.gov — can report in Spanish, and free phone translation services are available.
- FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation): IC3.gov — specifically for online fraud.
- CFPB (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau): ConsumerFinance.gov — if involving bank accounts or credit cards.
- AARP Support Hotline: 1-877-908-3360 — Vietnamese language support available upon request.
- Local police: Call 311 or go to your local precinct to file a report — especially if you lost cash or were threatened.
If you have already transferred money via bank, call your bank immediately within 24 hours to request a transaction stop (transaction recall). It doesn't always succeed, but it's worth trying.
In Summary
Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, but they always rely on two things: panic and blind trust. When you know how to identify their schemes, stop before you act, and make independent verification a habit — you have cut off both psychological tactics.
Share this article with your parents, siblings, and community members. An open conversation within the family can be the best shield.