Beware of Virtual Currency Investment Scam

2021-02-22

Recently, the Police have received reports from members of the public that they received calls from fraudsters who impersonated staff of overseas investment agencies for a fictitious virtual currency investment scheme. Having agreed to participate in the scheme, victims received a hyperlink from fraudsters and were requested to download a fake mobile investment app in which details of their bank accounts and credit cards were required. Fraudsters then used the information so obtained to steal money from victims’ bank accounts and credit cards. Fraudsters would even claim that the investment loss was due to technical errors and lure victims to install a remote control software for reimbursement of the loss. The software was indeed used to control victims’ computers remotely. After logging into victims’ online banking accounts, fraudsters would transfer victims’ savings to other registered accounts.

• Do not access any suspicious websites or download any suspicious mobile apps. Do not input bank account and credit card details in suspicious website and mobile applications.
• Do not disclose your personal particulars to strangers, including your names, HKID numbers, online banking PIN codes and credit card details;
• If the callers claim themselves as staff of investment agencies and banks, contact corresponding agencies and banks to verify the identity of the callers;
• Remind your relatives and friends to stay alert against deception;
• If you suspect a scam, call the Police’s Anti-Scam Helpline 18222.