Ho Chi Minh City Tracks Numbers on Illegal Ads

Why this is here: Volunteers in Ho Chi Minh City removed approximately 3.5 million illegal flyers and posters over the last three years.

Ho Chi Minh City authorities are tracking phone numbers found on illegal advertisements—for loans, gambling, and services like septic tank pumping. Over the past three years, the city mobilized over 400,000 volunteers who removed roughly 3.5 million illegal flyers and posters. Police investigated 546 cases involving 855 people connected to illegal lending.

The city plans to intensify these efforts in 2026, focusing on ads posted on public infrastructure like light posts and bus stops. Collected data from removed ads—including phone numbers and addresses—will be sent to police for verification. They will investigate businesses associated with these numbers.

Authorities will also use security camera footage to identify and fine those responsible for the illegal postings. The Department of Science and Technology is exploring integrating alerts into digital maps and camera systems to help detect these violations. While the practice of throwing dirty substances and threatening calls related to illegal lending has lessened, consistent monitoring remains necessary.