Beware of Phone Scammers Impersonating Staff of Social Welfare Department

2021-06-30

Recently, the Police have received public enquires about incoming calls purporting to be made by Social Welfare Department (SWD). The caller attempts to solicit the recipients’ personal information and bank account details by claiming that the latter have submitted the application for “ Anti-epidemic Fund ”. The fraudster, speaking Putonghua or with a Mainland accent, makes calls to victims with anonymous caller ID, stored-value telephone cards or phone number “ +852 2343 2255 ”, where the last 8 digits of the caller number is the same as the hotline (2343 2255) of SWD.

• To help detect telephone deception, the OFCA stipulates that telephone operators are required to insert a “+” sign in the calling number display of mobile phones as a prefix for all incoming calls originating from outside Hong Kong. If you receive an unknown call with the prefix “ +852 ”, it is likely to be a scam call pretending to be from a local number.
• If callers claim themselves as staff of SWD and ask for your personal information and bank account details, call SWD to verify their identities proactively;
• Do not disclose to strangers your personal information, bank account details, online banking accounts and PIN codes, etc.;
• Remind your relatives and friends to stay vigilant against deception.
• If in doubt, please call the “ Anti-Scam Helpline 18222 ” for advice.