Beware of e-Wallet Fraud
2021-06-03
The Police have recently received reports from members of the public about receiving scam calls with the prefix “+852”. The fraudster, posing as a bank staff, claimed that assistance could be provided for registration of the electronic consumption voucher scheme to be rolled out by the government shortly. Victims were asked to give personal information such as identity card number, proof of address, phone number and bank account number, etc. With the information received, the fraudster made a loss report to the respective mobile service providers to obtain a sim card replacement. A new account of a stored value facility (SVF，or more commonly known as e-wallet) was opened by the fraudster to link with the victim’s bank account and transfer money from the linked victim's bank account to the SVF account. As the fraudster obtained the replacement sim card and related personal information of the victim so the verification process is passed and the bank account of the victim could be linked to the SVF account.
- If your phone number is suspended without any reason, you should contact the corresponding telecommunications company immediately;
- If callers claim themselves as bank staff and request for your personal information and bank account details under various pretexts, contact the corresponding bank to verify their identity;
- Do not disclose to strangers your personal information, bank account details, online banking accounts and PIN codes, etc.;
- To help detect telephone deception, the Office of the Communications Authority 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.
- Remind your relatives and friends to stay vigilant against deception.
- If in doubt, please call the “Anti-Scam Helpline 18222” for advice.
