Beware of Phone Scammers Impersonating Police Officers

2021-10-08

Defrauding Tricks
The Police have recently received reports from members of the public about receiving calls purportedly from the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF).  The scammer, speaking in fluent Cantonese, claimed to be assisting Mainland law enforcement officers in a case investigation in which the personal information of the victim had been stolen for opening a bank account on the Mainland.  The call was then forwarded to another scammer impersonating a Mainland law enforcement officer, who attempted to obtain the online banking account number and password of the victim by asserting in a threatening manner that the victim had committed fraud on the Mainland.  The victim later found that his/her account had been emptied and realised that it was a scam.
 
Our Advice

• 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.
• Some scammers call victims using SIM cards with One-Card-Two-Numbers services (the prefix “+852” will not be displayed) to defraud.  You should stay alert to all incoming calls.
• The HKPF will not be forward your call to any law enforcement officers of other jurisdictions;
• Do not disclose to strangers your personal information, bank account details, online banking accounts and passwords, etc.;
• Remind your relatives and friends to stay vigilant against deception.
• If in doubt, please call the “Anti-Scam Helpline 18222” for advice.