Beware of Fraudulent Calls and SMS Messages Purportedly from Mainland Immigration Staff
2023-11-30
Defrauding Tricks
Recently, members of the public have received phone calls or SMS messages (claiming to be made from 8446 5490) purportedly from Mainland immigration staff or public security officers, asking the recipients for their personal information and documents to assist in investigation, with reasons such as “expired Hong Kong and Macao Residents Entry and Exit Permit, bringing a large number of bank cards or SIM cards to the Mainland, invalid passport, using others’ documents, illegal entry and exit”.
The Immigration Department under the Shenzhen Public Security Bureau (PSB) has issued a reminder: the National Immigration Administration has launched a national uniform enquiry service hotline (12367), whereas the previous immigration enquiry hotline of the Shenzhen PSB (8446 5490) ceased operation in June 2022. Members of the public should stay alert to criminals who impersonate immigration staff with the disused phone number for scams.
Our Advice
If you receive suspicious calls purporting to be made by Mainland immigration staff or public security officers, you should verify it with the National Immigration Administration;
Do not believe unknown callers or disclose your personal information, bank account number and password to them;
Even if strangers are able to tell your personal information or send you legal documents with your photos, it does not necessarily mean that they are genuine law enforcement officers. Scammers can obtain the personal information of the public by unlawful means;
Stay alert if anyone claim themselves as officers of law enforcement or government agencies. You should contact corresponding agencies 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.