How to Protect Yourself from U.S. Visa Deposit Scams: A Guide for Vietnamese Tourists

Published on August 20, 2025

The U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City is alerting travelers about a rise in visa application scams. Fraudsters posing as U.S. officials are sending fake emails that ask visa applicants to pay large deposits for U.S. visas. Several applicants have already been tricked, which is why the consulate is urging the public to be on guard and learn how to spot the red flags.

The scam emails ask for deposits between 5,000 USD and 15,000 USD, saying the money is part of a special visa program. Although the messages look official, the U.S. Consulate General insists that no money like this is ever needed for Vietnamese travelers. The consulate also noted that only applicants from Malawi and Zambia are involved in a very limited pilot deposit program, and that program has nothing to do with Vietnam.

Fraudulent Emails and Fake Websites Targeting Travelers

The U.S. Consulate’s notice comes as part of a wider effort to raise awareness about fraudulent visa applications. Fake emails, websites, and even Facebook pages have been circulating during the peak travel season, trying to deceive travelers into transferring money for visa deposits. The scam involves communications that seem legitimate at first glance, but the consulate reminds applicants that all official U.S. government emails will come from a .gov address. Anyone who receives suspicious emails should verify their authenticity before taking any action.

The consulate also highlighted a specific example of a fraudulent email sent to a Vietnamese visa applicant, which requested an immediate deposit to secure their visa. A photo of the email was shared to show the public what the scam looks like. It featured official-looking logos and claims of urgency, designed to pressure individuals into making quick decisions without verifying the source.

Vietnam’s Travel Industry Responds to the Scam Alert

Pham Anh Vu, Deputy General Director of Du Lich Viet, a tourism firm, has joined the call for caution. Vu emphasized the need for tourists to stay calm when encountering any suspicious requests. Tourists are advised not to transfer money to unknown accounts and to verify any visa-related communication carefully. Vu also warned that in addition to scam emails, fraudulent websites and social media pages are becoming more common, particularly as travelers plan their holidays.

The tourism sector in Vietnam is particularly vulnerable to such scams during peak travel seasons, as many people are eager to secure their visas for overseas travel. Vu encouraged travelers to use reputable travel companies and avoid unverified services that may lead them into a scam. The warning from the consulate highlights how essential it is for travelers to be vigilant, especially when dealing with financial transactions related to international travel.

How to Spot and Avoid Visa Deposit Scams

To avoid falling victim to visa deposit scams, the U.S. Consulate advises travelers to follow a few key guidelines:

1. Check the Email Domain: Official U.S. government emails will always come from a .gov address. Any other domain is likely a scam.
2. Never Pay Upfront Fees: No legitimate visa application process will require advance deposits for applicants from Vietnam.
3. Verify Through Official Channels: If uncertain, travelers should contact the U.S. Consulate through their official inquiry form to verify the authenticity of any communications.
4. Use Trusted Travel Agencies: Ensure that any travel agency or service used is well-reviewed and known for handling visas properly.

By following these simple steps, travelers can protect themselves from falling victim to fraudulent schemes that could cost them significant amounts of money.

The Importance of Staying Informed and Cautious in Travel Planning

For Vietnamese travelers planning to visit the U.S., staying informed about potential scams is crucial. This warning from the U.S. Consulate General underscores the importance of verifying all visa-related communications and avoiding any transaction that feels suspicious. Travelers are encouraged to take their time when making decisions and to avoid rushed payments, which scammers often use to manipulate their targets.

In a world where digital scams are becoming more sophisticated, it’s essential to be cautious with personal and financial information. The consulate’s reminder aims to ensure that travelers can safely navigate the visa application process and avoid falling victim to fraudsters.

Looking Forward: Protecting Travelers in an Increasingly Digital World

As travel technology gets better, so do the scamming opportunities. There has been a surge in online fraud tied to visa applications, and the latest wave fraudulent emails, imitation sites, and phishing scams is a reminder on how easy things can go wrong. The U.S. Consulate in Vietnam is working hard to warn applicants, hoping to stop these crimes in their tracks and provide a smoother, safer path for anyone wanting to go to the U.S.

Looking ahead, the Consulate will keep rolling out tips and tools to help the public spot and dodge these scams. The goal is to make sure every traveler has the know-how to apply for a visa with confidence and avoid falling for tricks that could cost them their time and money.