I recently experienced a scam in Hue, Vietnam and wanted to share it as a warning for other travelers.
While walking near my hostel, I was approached by an elderly local man (around 60–70 years old) who struck up a friendly conversation. He spoke well, asked about my background, and mentioned family members in the US. The interaction felt genuine and relaxed, and he eventually invited me to join him for food.
We went to a small local restaurant on his motorbike and had a pleasant meal where he insisted on paying. Afterward, he mentioned that his niece was in hospital and asked if I could help by buying her a small meal. I agreed, assuming it would be something inexpensive.
Instead, he brought me to a pharmacy where he selected a large tub of protein powder. When I refused, he switched to a smaller but still expensive item. The cashier processed the payment while both the man and staff looked at me, and I felt pressured in the situation and ended up paying.
Afterward, he dropped me back at my accommodation and continued speaking as if we were close acquaintances.
I am sharing this not for sympathy, but to highlight how drawn out and convincing this type of scam can be. It did not feel aggressive or immediate, but rather slow and socially engineered over time, which is what made it effective.
Even though the financial loss was not large in my case, it is still something other travelers should be aware of when engaging with overly friendly strangers who eventually steer conversations toward purchases or donations.
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