- Incident Report: While sightseeing in Ho Chi Minh City, a Japanese or English-speaking individual (claiming to be Indonesian, Singaporean, etc.) approached the traveler. After being invited to the person’s home and receiving hospitality, a supposed casino dealer arrived and invited the traveler to participate in card games such as blackjack and poker. The dealer promised a guaranteed winning method, and initially, the traveler won small bets. However, once the stakes increased, losses began, and the traveler was instructed to withdraw more cash from ATMs, resulting in significant financial loss.
- Prevention Measures:
- Avoid Unauthorized Gambling: Gambling is illegal in Vietnam, and consulting with authorities may result in the person being treated as a suspect. Scammers are aware of this and use it to their advantage.
- Be Wary of Friendly Approaches: Do not engage with strangers who approach you and offer seemingly attractive opportunities, especially if they invite you to their home.
- Avoid Home Visits: Incidents like this often occur at the scammer’s residence, making it difficult to escape and potentially putting you in danger. Always avoid going to someone’s home or private place upon initial contact.
By staying cautious and avoiding involvement with unknown individuals who offer suspicious opportunities, you can better protect yourself from scams and illegal activities while traveling in Vietnam.
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