Beware of Phone Scammers Impersonating Staff of Communications Authority or Office of the Communications Authority

2021-06-09

Recently, the Police have received public enquires about incoming calls ( +852 2961 6333) purporting to be made by the Communications Authority (CA) or the Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA). The last 8 digits of the caller number is the same as OFCA’s General Enquiry Hotline (2961 6333). Callers claim that the victims’ telephone services would be suspended because of overdue charges or anomalies detected in the use of telephone services, or allege that the telephone numbers have been used in sending scores of illegal text messages, etc. The calls are then forwarded to another fraudster posing as a Mainland law enforcement officer, and the victims are requested to provide their bank account numbers and PIN codes for investigation.

• 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.
• CA or OFCA will neither inform members of the public by phone of anomalies detected in the use of telephone services, nor request them to provide such personal information as bank account details and PIN codes;
• 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.