Beware of Scam Calls Purportedly from China Internet Illegal Information Reporting Centre

2023-06-12

Defrauding Tricks

Recently, members of the public have reported to the Police about receiving scam calls made in the form of pre-recorded message or by a real person. Posing as staff of the China Internet Illegal Information Reporting Centre (CIIRC), the scammers spoke fluent Putonghua or Cantonese and claimed that the recipients’ identity had been stolen for registration of WeChat accounts to publish messages selling counterfeit medicines and luring people to engage in fraudulent events in Southeast Asian countries. The scammers would also ask the recipients to report to the Mainland law enforcement agencies for clarification and then forward the call to another scammer impersonating Mainland law enforcement officer, who alleged that the recipients had committed money laundering offences and requested their personal information, bank account number and password.  They were even asked to remit money as guarantee or handling charges. 

Our Advice

• Stay vigilant when receiving phone calls pruportedly from the CIIRC;

• Do not believe strangers or disclose your personal information, bank account number and password;

• Even if the strangers 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;

• If the callers claim themselves as officers of law enforcement agencies or government organizations, stay alert and contact corresponding offices to verify their identities;

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

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