Fake security forces steal phones under the guise of VPN inspections in Yangon
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Phyo/Thant Zin(NP News) - Jan 22
According to information obtained through inquiries by The NP News and emerging reports, there have been incidents in Yangon where individuals, posing as security forces and claiming they are conducting VPN checks, have been deceiving people and stealing their phones.
In recent days, it has been reported on social media that in the Thanlyin Township area of Yangon Region, a group of individuals posing as security forces intercepted a car with three passengers. Claiming they were conducting inspection of using VPN, the group proceeded to deceive the passengers and steal their phones.
Similar incidents have also been reported in other townships, where scammers have posed as security forces, claiming they were checking VPNs, and proceeded to steal phones. A retired police chief has advised the public to be especially cautious in light of these ongoing phone thefts.
He said, “If I were to explain in two parts, the first part involves the public, and the second part involves the deceivers. The public, regardless of age, is holding onto their phones. When someone in authority says they need to check a phone, you should ask for the department they represent. You should tell them, 'I cannot accept this as legitimate without verification; show me some proof.' In such situations, the public should be able to respond appropriately. There’s no need to snatch the phone from someone’s hand. If they are truly someone in authority, they should request the phone politely. In that case, you can say, 'I will go with you to your department.'”
Therefore, he stated that the public should also study the relevant legal principles concerning the above matter.
He said, “Right now, if someone asks for your phone, people get scared and hand it over. That’s the public’s lack of awareness. In relation to this, there needs to be more awareness. This is the general knowledge that every individual should have. It’s about knowing your own rights. Everyone should know this. For example, in the past, if someone wanted to enter your house and search, they had to show a warrant. Requests like these require legal knowledge. Therefore, the public needs to be well-informed about the law.”
In addition, there have been incidents where individuals, posing as security forces and claiming they were conducting checks, have forcibly detained and then taken phones. Furthermore, similar deceptive actions have occurred, where people, pretending to be officials, claim they are inspecting phones and then extort money.
It is understood that starting from February 2021, due to the crackdown on the social media platform Facebook in Myanmar, a software application called VPN became widely used among the public.
However, according to the above mentioned source, in the current period, many scammers have emerged taking advantage of this situation.
He said, "There are even more scams happening than this. Since the enactment of cyber security laws, everyone has been saying that such scams are bound to emerge. Why? Because everyone is using VPNs. This makes it easier for scammers to exploit the situation. Even under public service laws, there were cases where young people were lured, deceived, and extorted money. Online fraud has also become widespread."