The act of buying and selling social insurance books is often disguised as "authorizing the receipt of a one-time social insurance premiums payment."

Recently, on social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, and Zalo, there has been a growing trend of individuals publicly posting phone numbers to buy workers’ social insurance (SI) books or to offer services for handling procedures related to the Social Security office, often charging high fees for these services. These individuals use images and logos of the Social Insurance office on their personal pages to mislead users. They provide free consultations on simple legal regulations to gain the trust of workers and then proceed to buy their SI books or charge for assisting in procedures, targeting those who are unaware of legal regulations or reluctant to contact the Social security office to resolve issues with their documents.

This buying and selling behavior is usually disguised under the form of “authorization to receive one-time social insurance benefits” that the buyer requests the worker to sign an authorization letter, along with submitting personal identification documents and the social insurance book, in order to legitimize the money withdrawal process.

Ho Chi Minh City Social Security office warns that this behavior poses numerous risks, not only to the workers but also to those who purchase the SI books. In many cases, the leakage of personal information during the transaction process can lead to the misuse of identities for illegal activities.

The buyers also face significant risks, as all social insurance benefits under law belong solely to the individual worker.

To prevent this situation, Ho Chi Minh Social Security office will continue to instruct all sectors responsible for receiving records from Thu Duc City Social Security office, district social security offices, and the office of the city social security office to strengthen the verification process when handling requests for one-time social insurance benefits. This includes checking the legality of the Authorization Letter. especially Power of Attorney, especially in cases where an individual has been authorized multiple times to receive social insurance or one-time benefits. In addition, the office will carefully verify cases where the authorization is not granted to a family member, to ensure compliance with regulations and protect workers’ rights.

Workers seeking information are encouraged to access official HCMC social security office pages:

1.Official Portal: https://tphcm.baohiemxahoi.gov.vn/

2.Social Media Platforms:

Facebook Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/hcmbhxh (blue verified checkmark);

Zalo Official Account: Bảo Hiểm Xã Hội TP Hồ Chí Minh;

3.Email address: truyenthong@hochiminh.vss.gov.vn;

4.Vietnam Social Security Customer Service Hotline: 1900.9068.

HCMC social security office also advises citizens and workers not to sell their social insurance books for short-term gain, as this means losing substantial long-term benefits. For support, contact the social security office directly or use official communication channels for free, accurate, and safe advice. If any social insurance-related fraud is discovered, workers should proactively report to the nearest police station or Social Security office for timely handling in accordance with the law.