Ho Chi Minh City: Caught red-handed using fake BTS to spread scam messages

Previously, just recently, on August 7, 2025, a similar incident was also discovered and handled. Both cases used fake BTS devices to broadcast mass messages, aiming to steal users' personal information.

Through the specialized frequency monitoring system, the Radio Frequency Center of Region II (under the Radio Frequency Department) detected an unusual signal recorded as an illegal broadcast. Using professional measures, the technical team quickly isolated and accurately determined the location of the transmitter moving on a car. The information was immediately transferred to the professional unit of the Ministry of Public Security to coordinate the arrest. The subject was arrested at the scene, while operating a fake BTS device on a car.

The seized exhibits include 02 large fake BTS devices , antennas, specialized power supplies, and many phones with BTS station control software installed.

The scam message asks the recipient to visit a link to update or add their shipping address online. If they do, they risk having their personal information stolen, leading to loss of money and property.

Scam message content

Currently, the authorities are continuing to expand the investigation of the case, clarifying the related subjects, especially the links in the chain of buying, selling, distributing fake BTS devices and scams via text messages.

This is a practical result in the peak period of crime suppression on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of National Day, September 2, demonstrating the determination of functional forces in ensuring network security and protecting the legitimate rights of people against increasingly sophisticated fraud tricks of high-tech criminals.

This incident continues to be a warning bell about new high-tech fraud methods, combining BTS fake technology and tricks to exploit consumer psychology in the digital age. At the same time, this is also a testament to the effectiveness of interdisciplinary coordination between specialized forces in frequency, technical expertise and criminal justice in protecting information security and maintaining security and order.

Authorities recommend that people should be vigilant, absolutely do not access strange links sent via text messages, do not provide personal information, passwords, OTP codes to anyone. When detecting messages with signs of fraud, people should immediately report to the police or mobile network operators for timely support and prevention.