Beware of Scam Calls Purportedly from ADCC

2022-07-22

Defrauding Tricks

Recently, the Police have received public enquires about scam calls prefixed with “+852”. The Cantonese-speaking caller, purporting to be officer from ADCC of the Police, claimed that the victims have committed the offence of money laundering and asked for sensitive information such as their personal bank account numbers and passwords, or instructed the victims to meet up at designated places to assist with investigation. During the calls, the scammer can tell the victims’ names.

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;

• Even if the callers are able to tell your personal information or send you legal documents with your photo, it does not necessarily mean that they are genuine law enforcement officers. Scammers can obtain the personal information of the public by unlawful means;

• Genuine law enforcement officers will not ask for your bank account password through phone calls in investigation of cases, or ask you to transfer money to designated bank account for quick asset check;

• 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;

• Care for your family, talk to them and observe if they show any symptoms of falling prey to telephone deception such as being apprehensive;

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