Foreign teachers and expats in Vietnam face multiple scam categories, with verified data showing 37% of expats encountering rental fraud and 60% reporting motorbike deposit disputes. While Vietnam remains a rewarding destination for English teachers and education professionals, understanding these scams—from taxi meter manipulation to fake work permit processing—protects both your finances and legal status. This guide covers documented scam types with verified costs, prevention strategies, and immediate action steps.
What Are the Most Common Transportation Scams Targeting Foreign Teachers in Vietnam?
Transportation scams—particularly taxi fraud, motorbike rental traps, and xe ôm price switching—are among the most frequently reported issues by foreign teachers in Vietnam. These scams specifically target newcomers unfamiliar with local transport norms and pricing.
What Should You Know About Taxi Scams in Vietnam?
Unregistered taxi drivers use rigged meters, fake company branding, or refuse meters entirely, with documented cases showing overcharges of 3-10x the legitimate fare. Common tactics include:
Rigged Meter Scams:
- Scammers paint taxis to resemble Mai Linh (green) or Vinasun (white) companies
- Meters run significantly faster than legitimate rates
- Verified rates (2025): Flag fall should be 12,500-15,000 VND ($0.50-$0.60) for first 1-2km, then 15,000-17,000 VND/km ($0.60-$0.68/km) for reputable companies
- Documented example: Tourist charged 650,000 VND for ride that should cost 65,000 VND (10x overcharge)
Money Switching Scam:
- Driver performs sleight-of-hand swapping your 500,000 VND note ($20) for 20,000 VND ($0.80)
- Claims you underpaid and demands more money
- Vietnamese polymer notes have similar colors making confusion easy
Prevention:
- Use Grab app for transparent pricing before booking
- Verify taxi branding matches official Mai Linh or Vinasun logos with correct uniform (Mai Linh: green shirts, Vinasun: dark green with maroon ties)
- Pay with exact change in small bills
- Use Google Maps to verify route and distance
- If overcharged: Take photos of driver ID, meter, company logo, license plate before paying
How Do Motorbike Rental Scams Target Foreign Teachers?
Motorbike rental scams involve excessive deposits ($260-390 USD documented) withheld through fabricated damage claims, with 60% of expats reporting deposit disputes according to a 2024 industry survey. Three primary schemes:
1. Trapped Deposit Scheme:
- Rental shops demand passport or $260-390 cash deposit
- Upon return, claim “new scratches” or “engine damage”
- Refuse full refund, keeping portion of deposit
2. Pre-Damaged Bike Fraud:
- Provide bikes with hidden mechanical issues
- Charge repair fees when problems surface
3. Theft by Rental Company:
- Company staff “steal” the rented bike
- Force payment of full replacement value when reported missing
Prevention:
- Photograph bike from all angles before riding (timestamp photos)
- Never leave passport as deposit—offer cash alternative
- Rent from established companies recommended by employer
- Test brakes, lights, horn before accepting
- Document existing damage in writing
What Are Xe Ôm (Motorbike Taxi) Price Scams?
Xe ôm drivers commonly agree to one price then demand significantly more upon arrival, knowing foreigners often avoid confrontation.
Typical Pattern:
- Initial agreement: 30,000 VND for short ride
- Upon arrival, demands 100,000-150,000 VND or more
- Uses aggressive stance, claims misunderstanding
Prevention:
- Use Grab Bike exclusively—price locked before ride
- If using street xe ôm, write down agreed price
- Have exact payment ready, hand over and leave immediately
How Can You Identify and Avoid Housing and Rental Scams in Vietnam?
According to a 2024 survey by VietRent, 37% of expats report encountering fraudulent rental agreements annually, with fake property documents and deposit schemes being primary concerns. Housing scams target newly-arrived teachers unfamiliar with Vietnam’s property verification systems.
What Is the Fake Pink Book (Giấy Chứng Nhận) Scam?
The pink book (property ownership certificate) is Vietnam’s only legal proof of ownership—scammers use forged documents to rent properties they don’t own. According to Hanoi Housing’s 2025 fraud report, requiring notarized ID verification prevents 89% of ownership scams.
How the Scam Works:
- “Landlord” shows fake pink book photocopy
- You pay deposit + first month rent
- Real owner appears later or you discover property unavailable
- Scammer disappears
Prevention:
- Demand original Giấy chứng nhận (not photocopy)
- Verify at local Land Registration Office (free service)
- Require notarized landlord ID matching pink book name
- Use Ministry of Construction-approved agents
What Are “Too Good to Be True” Rental Listing Scams?
Scammers post fake listings with professional photos at significantly below-market rates, then switch you to inferior properties after collecting fees.
Red Flags:
- Price substantially below market rate
- Claims “just rented” but has “similar” option available
- Demands deposit before viewing
- Uses offshore bank accounts
Prevention:
- Never pay before physically viewing property
- Reverse image search listing photos
- Meet at actual property location
- Avoid Western Union or offshore payments
What Are Common Deposit Forfeiture Scams?
Rental contracts with vague damage clauses allow landlords to withhold deposits for minor issues.
Red Flag Contract Clauses:
- “Tenant forfeits deposit for any damage” (no specific damage definition)
- “Utility costs calculated by landlord” (no government rate sheet provided)
- Vague termination conditions
Prevention:
- Photograph/video entire apartment before moving in (with timestamps)
- Remove or rewrite vague clauses before signing
- Demand itemized utility bills
- Standard deposit: 1-2 months rent, should be refundable with documented condition
How Do Work Permit and Visa Scams Target Foreign Teachers?
Unauthorized brokers charge $500+ for work permits that never materialize or provide forged documents risking deportation. Work permit fraud targets teachers desperate to begin employment legally.
What Are Fake Work Permit Processing Scams?
Scammers pose as “visa agents” or “work permit facilitators,” collecting fees for processing that doesn’t occur or produces invalid documents.
Common Scam Variants:
1. Ghost Agent Scam:
- Claims expedited processing for $500-800
- Provides fake approval letter or disappears after payment
- You’re denied entry with invalid documents
2. Employer-Referred Fake Agent:
- School refers to specific “visa agent” late in process
- Agent charges fees but work permit never arrives
Prevention:
- Work permits must be employer-sponsored—you cannot apply individually
- Legitimate employers cover work permit costs
- Apply through employer directly or official Department of Labor channels only
- Payments only to authorized government offices
- Verify on official Vietnamese immigration websites
What Are the Legal Consequences of Working Without Proper Documentation?
Working on tourist or business visas is illegal and results in deportation and fines.
According to Decree 12/2022/ND-CP:
- Foreign workers: Fine of 15,000,000-25,000,000 VND ($625-$1,042 USD)
- PLUS: Deportation under Article 153 Labor Code 2019
- Employers: Fines of 30-75 million VND depending on number of illegal workers
Fake Employer Promises to Avoid:
- “Start on business visa while processing work permit”
- “Tourist visa acceptable for probation period”
- Any suggestion to work before LD work visa issued
Legal Requirements:
- Only LD work visa permits legal employment
- Work permit required for contracts ≥3 months
- Maximum validity: 2 years, renewable once for 2 years
- Employer must have SAFEA registration number
Prevention:
- Demand LD work visa before departing home country
- Refuse employment without proper documentation
- Verify employer’s SAFEA authorization number
- Report illegal hiring attempts to Department of Labor
What Job Scams Target Foreign English Teachers in Vietnam?
Fake teaching job postings commonly request upfront payments for “placement fees” or “visa processing” before disappearing. Job scams exploit teachers’ eagerness to secure positions.
What Are Fake Recruitment Agency Scams?
Fraudulent recruiters collect fees claiming to connect teachers with schools but have no actual school partnerships.
Scam Indicators:
- Request placement/registration fees
- Promise unrealistically high salaries for entry-level
- Refuse video interviews (claim technical problems)
- Pressure quick payment to “secure position”
- Zero verifiable teacher testimonials or alumni
Prevention:
- Legitimate recruiters earn commission from schools, not teachers
- Verify recruiter through teacher Facebook groups
- Request contact info for current teachers at school
- Check blacklists at ESL forums
- Never pay before signed contract
What Are Job Listing Website Scams?
Fake job posts collect personal information for identity theft or demand fees for non-existent positions.
Red Flags:
- Posted on unverified social media
- Claims “no experience required” with high salary
- Requests passport scans before interview
- Demands training fees, uniform fees, deposits
- Personal email (@gmail) instead of school domain
Prevention:
- Apply through school’s official website directly
- Verify school existence (Google Maps, reviews, multiple sources)
- Never send passport/financial docs before verified video interview
- Check Vietnam Teaching Jobs platform for verified listings
- Ask in expat forums about school reputation
How Can You Avoid Currency and Money Scams?
Vietnamese dong’s similar-looking notes enable currency switching scams, while street money changers may provide counterfeit bills.
What Is the VND Note Switching Scam?
The 500,000 VND note ($20) and 20,000 VND note ($0.80) have similar colors—scammers swap bills using sleight-of-hand.
How It Works:
- You hand 500,000 VND note
- They palm it, return 20,000 VND note
- Claim you only gave 20,000 VND
- Also common: 200,000 vs 10,000 VND confusion
Prevention:
- Count bills before handing over, state amount aloud
- Immediately verify returned change
- Carry small bills (20,000-50,000 VND)
- Break large bills at convenience stores (7-Eleven, Circle K) first
What Are Fake Currency Exchange Scams?
Street money changers offer better-than-official rates but may provide counterfeit or damaged notes.
Prevention:
- Exchange only at banks: Vietcombank, Agribank, Techcombank, BIDV
- Use ATMs inside bank branches
- Check ATMs for skimming devices
- Avoid street exchangers completely
What Tourist-Focused Scams Should Teachers Be Aware Of?
Pickpocketing, photo scams, and restaurant overcharging frequently target foreigners in major cities, requiring constant awareness in tourist areas.
How Common Is Pickpocketing in Vietnam?
Pickpockets operate in crowded areas using team distraction tactics, with motorbike bag-snatching particularly common in Ho Chi Minh City.
High-Risk Locations:
- Markets: Ben Thanh, Dong Xuan
- Tourist sites: Hoan Kiem Lake, War Remnants Museum
- Public transport during peak hours
- Festivals and large gatherings
Prevention:
- Never keep wallet in back pocket
- Use cross-body bag worn in front
- Avoid displaying expensive electronics/jewelry
- Walk away from street curb (prevents motorbike snatches)
- Use money belt for passport, large cash
What Are Photo and Street Vendor Scams?
Vendors with fruit baskets encourage photos then demand payment significantly above fair price.
Fair Prices (Verified):
- Coconut: 10,000-30,000 VND ($0.40-$1.20)
- Vendors may demand 100,000-300,000 VND for photos
Prevention:
- Politely refuse all photo offers from street vendors
- Use hand gestures to decline
- Avoid eye contact with persistent vendors
- If photographed, firmly state “No payment” and walk away
How Do Restaurant Overcharging Scams Work?
Restaurants targeting tourists lack visible prices or add undisclosed charges.
Red Flags:
- No menu with printed prices
- Prices only in USD (then inflated VND conversion)
- “Complimentary” items added to bill
- Different prices for foreigners vs locals
Prevention:
- Ask for menu with prices before ordering
- Use food review apps (Foody, Google Reviews)
- Request written price confirmation if no menu
What Should You Do If You’ve Been Scammed?
Immediate action within 24-48 hours is critical, though full financial recovery is uncommon in Vietnam scam cases.
What Are Your Immediate Action Steps?
1. Document Everything (within 1 hour):
- Photograph: communications, receipts, contracts, location
- Write detailed account: names, times, locations, amounts
- Save: business cards, phone numbers, social media profiles
2. Financial Protection (within 2-4 hours):
- Contact bank immediately if cards compromised
- Request transaction reversal (attempt within 24 hours)
- Change passwords if personal information exposed
3. Report to Authorities (within 24-48 hours):
- File official police report (required for insurance)
- Vietnam National Administration of Tourism: 80 Quan Su Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Tel: (84-4) 3 942 3760
- For embassy contact guidance: Complete Embassy and Consulate Directory in Vietnam 2025
4. Warn Community (within 1 week):
- Post in Vietnam Teaching Jobs forums, ESL Vietnam Facebook groups
- Leave reviews on Google, Glassdoor (employers)
- Report website scams to appropriate authorities
What Recovery Options Exist?
Full recovery is rare. Most scam victims recover little to no money.
Insurance Coverage:
- Travel insurance may cover theft/fraud losses (check policy limits)
- Work permit fraud rarely covered (employment exclusions common)
- File claims within policy timeframe (typically 30 days)
When Should You Contact Your Embassy?
Contact embassy for:
- Large financial losses
- Passport theft/compromise
- Serious legal complications
- Forced labor situations (passport held against will)
For emergency assistance: Essential Emergency Numbers in Vietnam Every Teacher Should Know
Embassy Limitations:
- Cannot provide financial assistance for scam losses
- Cannot force Vietnamese police action
- Can provide: documentation support, local attorney recommendations, consular assistance for serious cases
How Can You Protect Yourself From Scams as a Foreign Teacher in Vietnam?
Comprehensive prevention through pre-arrival research, document verification, and community connections significantly reduces scam risk.
What Should You Do Before Arriving in Vietnam?
1. Research Your Employer Thoroughly (2-3 weeks before):
- Verify school registration with Vietnam Department of Education
- Request SAFEA registration number
- Contact 2-3 current teachers via Skype/Zoom
- Check blacklists: ESL forums, Reddit r/TEFL
- Review contract carefully for work permit sponsorship
2. Join Expat Communities Online (1-2 weeks before):
- Facebook: “Vietnam Teaching Jobs”, “Expats in [City]”, “ESL Teachers Vietnam”
- Reddit: r/VietNam, r/TEFL
- Forums: Vietnam Coracle, Expat.com
- Ask specific questions about schools/agencies
3. Prepare Financial Safety (1 week before):
- Inform bank of travel dates/location
- Get fee-free cards (Revolut, Wise, Charles Schwab)
- Keep emergency fund accessible
- Have multiple payment methods
What Daily Habits Prevent Scams?
Transportation:
- Default to Grab app
- Screenshot routes before unmarked taxis
- Carry exact change in small VND bills
Documentation:
- Photograph everything important
- Keep digital copies of passport, work permit, visa in cloud storage
- Request written confirmation for prices, services, agreements
Community:
- Join local teacher meetup groups
- Build Vietnamese friend network for navigation help
- Share scam warnings in expat forums immediately
Frequently Asked Questions About Scams Targeting Foreigners in Vietnam
Is Vietnam Safe for Foreign Teachers Despite These Scams?
Yes, Vietnam remains a safe and rewarding destination for foreign teachers, with violent crime rates among the lowest in Southeast Asia. Scams are financial inconveniences rather than physical safety threats. Most scams result in losses of $50-300 and are largely preventable through basic precautions and community knowledge.
What Percentage of Foreign Teachers Experience Scams in Vietnam?
Available verified data:
- 37% of expats report rental fraud attempts (VietRent 2024 survey)
- 60% report motorbike deposit disputes (2024 industry survey)
Reality based on expat forum reports: Most teachers encounter at least one minor scam attempt (taxi overcharge, vendor price inflation), but serious financial losses affect a smaller subset who haven’t prepared adequately.
Can You Get Your Money Back After Being Scammed in Vietnam?
Recovery is extremely rare.
Best chance for any recovery: Deposit disputes with photographic documentation, filed within 24 hours, with official police report.
Do Police Help Foreigners Who’ve Been Scammed?
Vietnamese police will file official reports required for insurance claims, but investigation and recovery efforts are typically minimal for small-value scams.
What Police Usually Do:
- Provide official police report (needed for insurance/embassy)
- May investigate large-scale fraud or organized crime
- Respond to theft involving violence
What Police Typically Don’t Do:
- Pursue small vendor overcharges
- Force deposit refunds in civil disputes
- Investigate contract disagreements
Better resource: Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (Tel: 84-4 3 942 3760) often more helpful for tourist/expat fraud.
Are Teaching Jobs in Vietnam Legitimate or Mostly Scams?
The majority of teaching positions in Vietnam are legitimate, especially through established schools, international programs, and verified recruitment platforms. Scam jobs represent a minority but can appear credible.
Verified Legitimate Channels:
- Vietnam Teaching Jobs platform (verified employers)
- International schools: ILA, Apollo, British Council, VUS, Language Link
- Direct university hiring
- Established recruiters: Footprints Recruiting, Teacher Horizons
Red Flags for Fake Jobs:
- Request upfront fees of any kind
- No video interview with school staff
- Pressure immediate decisions/payment
- Cannot provide current teacher contacts
What Should You Do If Your Employer Is Scamming You?
Document everything, secure your finances, contact your embassy, and exit safely—prioritize legal status over recovering money.
Immediate Steps:
1. Protect Yourself Legally (Day 1):
- Photograph: contract, pay stubs, work permit, communications
- Record dates of payment issues, broken promises
- Don’t quit immediately if it jeopardizes visa status
2. Secure Documents (Day 1-2):
- Never let employer hold passport—retrieve immediately
- Digital copies in cloud storage
- Contact embassy if employer threatens documents/visa
3. Find New Employment (Week 1-2):
- Apply privately while still employed (if safe)
- Use Vietnam Teaching Jobs network
- Consult visa lawyer about transferring work permit
4. Exit Strategically (When new job secured):
- Give resignation only after new contract signed
- Request final paycheck in writing (unlikely but document)
- Report to Department of Labor (file wage complaint for official record)
Stay Informed and Protected: Your Safety Resources
Understanding scams is part of staying safe as a foreign teacher in Vietnam. For comprehensive safety information and emergency preparedness, explore more resources in our Safety & Emergency Category.
Remember: Most foreign teachers have positive, rewarding experiences in Vietnam. Scam awareness empowers you to enjoy everything this country offers while protecting yourself from the small percentage of bad actors. Stay informed, trust your instincts, and connect with the supportive expat teacher community.
