Woman in Hanoi falls victim to online scam while registering for pickleball lessons, loses 400 million VND

Hanoi Police Warn of Fraudulent Pickleball Registration Scam on Social Media

Hanoi police are warning the public to be cautious when registering for pickleball classes online after a recent case of fraud and property appropriation.

The Investigation Police Agency of Cau Giay District Police has launched an investigation into a case where a woman, identified as Ms. H., was scammed out of nearly 400 million VND while trying to register her child for pickleball lessons. The fraudsters, posing as representatives of the “Vietnam Pickleball Federation” on Facebook, instructed Ms. H. to download the Telegram app and participate in various tasks to receive a discount on the course.

After transferring the money to the scammers, Ms. H. realized she had been deceived when they asked for more money in order to withdraw the initial amount. She promptly reported the incident to the police.

Pickleball, a sport that has been gaining popularity in Vietnam, has attracted many participants looking to improve their health and fitness. Unfortunately, scammers have taken advantage of this trend by creating fake social media pages to lure unsuspecting victims.

To avoid falling victim to similar scams, Hanoi City Police are advising the public to be vigilant when registering for pickleball classes online. They recommend verifying the legitimacy of the organization offering the classes and seeking recommendations from friends and family before making any payments.

Those interested in learning pickleball are encouraged to visit training facilities and centers in person to ensure the legitimacy of the program. If any suspicious activity is encountered, individuals are urged to contact the police immediately for assistance.

As the popularity of pickleball continues to grow, it is important for the public to remain cautious and informed to protect themselves from falling victim to fraudulent schemes.