Beware of Phishing Emails / SMS Messages on Anti-Epidemic Service Bag Distribution

2022-03-31

Defrauding Tricks

Recently, it has come to the Police's attention that some netizens said that they have received deceptive emails or SMS messages claiming the government would be distributing anti-epidemic service bags to members of the public. They could receive the bags by post for a postage of less than $20, with no need to collect them in person at post offices. To settle the payment, the public should click on the link embedded in the email or SMS message to a website and input their e-banking account information and passwords.  Victims’ money would then be transferred out of their savings accounts in the name of postage payment authorisation.

Our Advice

• Please note that the government did not make announcement on anti-epidemic service bag distribution to members of the public by post;

• Do not click or open links in unsolicited SMS messages, emails or messages in social media;

• The Police appeals to the public that they are advised to access websites of organisations by typing the website address directly into the browser address bar, or through the mobile applications downloaded from official application stores;

• Do not input your personal information, e-banking account details or credit card information into unknown websites;

• If you receive suspicious SMS messages or emails asking you to input personal information, e-banking account details or credit card information into unknown websites, please check them out using “Phishing Scam Search Engine” (https://cyberdefender.hk/en-us/) on CyberDefender website;

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

• If in doubt, call the “Anti-Scam Helpline 18222” for enquiries.