What should foreigners do if they are scammed when contributing capital in Vietnam?

27/01/2026

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Cases where foreigners are scammed when contributing capital in Vietnam are no longer rare amid the country’s increasingly vibrant investment environment. When trust is misplaced, investors may face the risk of losing capital, losing control of the business, or even being involved in prolonged legal disputes. So, when you fall into this situation, what should you do to protect your rights effectively and legally?

The reality of foreigners being scammed in capital contribution in Vietnam

Investment and capital contribution are fast ways for foreigners to enter the Vietnamese market. However, not everyone can foresee the legal risks hidden behind agreements that seem “mutually beneficial”.

Common forms of capital contribution fraud

Many foreigners are scammed when contributing capital in Vietnam due to a lack of understanding of the legal environment and excessive trust in local partners. Common tactics include:

  • Holding capital on behalf of foreigners but not recording it in the business registration

  • Signing “internal” capital contribution agreements with no legal validity

  • Deliberately concealing financial status, tax debts, or existing disputes of the company

  • Using Vietnamese individuals as “nominees” to misappropriate contributed capital

At first, everything may appear smooth. However, when disputes arise, investors often realize that they have no voting rights, receive no profit distribution, or are not even recognized as legitimate investors.

Legal risks and practical consequences

The most serious consequence when foreigners are scammed in capital contribution is losing control over cash flow and the company. More severely, investors may:

  • Be unable to withdraw their contributed capital

  • Be excluded from the company without legal grounds to claim rights

  • Face difficulties initiating lawsuits due to invalid contracts or lack of jurisdiction

This is why many foreign investors remain “stuck” in Vietnam for years without being able to fully resolve disputes.

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What should foreigners do if scammed in capital contribution in Vietnam?

Once facing legal risks, the most important thing is to stay calm and adopt the right legal strategy. Any wrong move at the wrong time may significantly reduce your rights.

Review legal documents and capital contribution flows

The first step is to review all documents related to the capital contribution, including:

  • Capital contribution agreements and cooperation contracts

  • Enterprise registration certificates and investment licenses

  • Bank transfer records and payment vouchers

This helps determine whether you are legally recognized as an investor under Vietnamese law. Many cases of foreigners being scammed in Vietnam stem from their names not appearing in official legal records.

Collect evidence and assess litigation possibilities

Next, evidence proving fraud or misappropriation of capital must be collected, such as:

  • Emails and messages exchanged with partners

  • Meeting minutes and profit commitment documents

  • Evidence showing misuse of contributed capital

Based on these materials, lawyers can assess the possibility of civil lawsuits, claims for capital refund and damages, or even criminal proceedings if fraud existed from the outset.

The role of corporate lawyers in handling capital contribution disputes

For foreigners scammed in capital contribution in Vietnam, handling disputes on their own is extremely risky. Language barriers, legal differences, and litigation procedures may put investors at a disadvantage from the beginning.

Corporate lawyers can help to:

  • Determine the most appropriate legal strategy

  • Represent clients in working with partners and authorities

  • Prepare litigation documents and participate in legal proceedings

  • Negotiate capital recovery efficiently and cost-effectively

This also helps investors avoid further mistakes before the dispute is fully resolved.

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Preventive solutions and legal support from DEDICA Law

Beyond resolving consequences, preventing risks from the beginning is even more important. This is why many foreign investors choose to work with specialized legal advisors.

DEDICA Law accompanies clients in dispute resolution and capital recovery

With extensive experience in handling cases where foreigners are scammed in capital contribution in Vietnam, DEDICA Law develops solutions tailored to each specific situation:

  • Reviewing documents and identifying legal weaknesses of counterparts

  • Proposing optimal negotiation or litigation strategies

  • Representing clients throughout the dispute resolution process

DEDICA’s goal is not only to “win cases” but to help clients preserve capital, minimize losses, and quickly return to stable business operations.

Risk prevention consulting before capital contribution

For new investors, DEDICA provides support from the very beginning to prevent risks of capital contribution fraud:

  • Legal due diligence of partner companies

  • Drafting solid and legally compliant capital contribution agreements

  • Representing clients in investment registration and lawful capital recording

  • Advising on safe and suitable investment structures

As a result, investors can focus on business strategies instead of worrying about legal risks.

Being scammed in capital contribution is an experience no one wishes for, especially foreigners investing in Vietnam. However, by acting promptly and receiving professional legal support, you can fully protect your legitimate rights.

Are you facing a similar issue?
Do not let legal risks drag on and cost you more time and money.

👉 Contact DEDICA Law for the most suitable legal strategy consultation.

📞 Hotline: (+84) 39 969 0012 (WhatsApp, WeChat & Zalo available)
🕒 Working hours: Monday – Friday (8:30 AM – 6:00 PM)
Contact us now for your first free consultation with our professional lawyers.

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