Latest Scam Alerts

Beware of Phone Scammers Impersonating Staff of Department of Health
2022-02-18



Defrauding Tricks 

Recently, the Police have received public enquires about scam calls whose numbers start with “+852”. The pre-recorded voice calls, purportedly made from the Department of Health (DH), alleged that the recipients have tested positive for COVID-19 or were identified as close contacts of confirmed cases, and asked the recipients to select language by pressing 9. After the recipients pressed the button, the calls were forwarded to a fraudster impersonating a DH staff who asked the recipients for their bank account information and password on various pretexts.

 

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”, it indicates that the calling numbers are disguised as local numbers and it is probably a phone scam;

  • DH will not ask you for your bank account details;

  • If you receive calls purportedly from DH staff and are asked for your personal information for record rectification, do not disclose any of your sensitive personal datas via telephone. You may seek assistance from your Vaccination Service Provider (such as the Community Vaccination Centre or relevant clinics).

  • Remind your relatives and friends to stay alert against deception;

  • If you suspect that you have fallen prey to scams, please call the “Anti-Scam Helpline 18222”.