Abstract

Property appropriation fraud through virtual kidnapping is a new form of crime that combines traditional deceptive practices with the exploitation of the anonymity and transnational nature of cyberspace. This article analyzes the theoretical understanding of this type of crime, including its concept, legal characteristics, and prevention activities within the functional mandate of the Criminal Police Force. Based on an examination of the situation in Ho Chi Minh City during the period 2021–2025, the article clarifies its criminological characteristics, methods and tactics, victim profiles, as well as the causes and conditions contributing to its emergence, while also assessing the current state of social crime prevention. On that basis, it proposes solutions for innovating the application of information technology in public communication and mass mobilization in order to enhance the effectiveness of crime prevention.

Keywords: Criminal Police, cyberspace, Ho Chi Minh City, preventive measures, property appropriation fraud, virtual kidnapping.