Beware of Telephone Deception by Impersonating Staff of Department of Health

2021-04-23

Recently, the Police have received public enquires about incoming calls ( +852 2836 0077) claiming to be from Hong Kong’s Department of Health (DH). The last 8 digits of the caller number is the same as the hotline (2836 0077) of DH’s Client Relations Division. Callers claim that the victims have visited certain places and are therefore subject to quarantine. When the victims deny visiting such places, the calls are forwarded to another fraudster impersonating Mainland law enforcement officer. The fraudster claim that the identities of the victims have been stolen for illegal purposes and ask them to provide their bank account numbers and PIN codes for investigation.

• 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 unknown calls with the prefix “+852” which appears to be from a local number, you should be alert to the possible telephone deception.
• DH will not ask members of the public to provide such personal information as bank account details and PIN codes;
• If callers claim themselves as staff of DH and request for your personal information and bank account details under various pretexts, call the Centre for Health Protection hotline (2125 1111 / 2125 1122) to verify their identity;
• Beware of any suspicious website demanding your bank account details and PIN codes. Close it immediately and do not disclose any of your information;
• 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 alert against deception;
• If in doubt, please call the Police’s Anti-Scam Helpline 18222 for advice.