Beware of Telephone Deception

2021-04-08

Callers, speaking in Putonghua, impersonated staff of telecommunications companies and claimed that the victims’ mainland telephone numbers were under investigation by Mainland authorities. The call was then forwarded to another swindler, who claimed to be a Mainland law enforcement officer. During the call, the swindler was able to show the personal information of the victims such as their photos, names and HKID numbers, deceiving the victims into believing that the swindler was a law enforcement officer. The swindler then claimed that the victims had violated the laws on the Mainland and requested them to provide bank accounts and PIN codes in order to prove their innocence. The victims followed the instructions given by the swindler and their savings accounts were emptied soon afterwards.

• Even if the swindlers are able to tell your personal information, it does not necessarily mean that they are genuine law enforcement officers. Swindlers can access the personal information of the public through open access, security loopholes and even illegal sources;
• If the callers claim themselves as officers of law enforcement agencies or government organisations and request for your personal information and assets under various pretexts, contact corresponding offices to verify their identities;
• Do not disclose your personal information to strangers, including your HKID numbers, bank account numbers, online banking accounts and PIN codes;
• Do not download any unknown applications, or input any information into unknown applications or websites;
• Remind your relatives and friends to stay alert against deception;
• If in doubt, call the Anti-Scam Helpline 18222 for advice.