Beware of Scam Calls Purportedly from CCB and ICAC

2022-09-01

Defrauding Tricks

Recently, the Police have received public enquiries about scam calls purportedly made by officials from the Commercial Crime Bureau (CCB) under the Police and Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), who claimed that the recipients were subject to investigation due to suspected money laundering. The calls were then forwarded to another scammer impersonating Mainland public security officer, who asked the recipients to transfer a large amount of money to a designated bank account for asset check. During the calls, the scammers were able to tell the recipients’ personal information, such as identity card number and mobile phone number.

Our Advice

• The Hong Kong Police Force will not forward your call to any law enforcement officers of other jurisdictions;

• 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 accounts 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.