Beware of Phone Scammers Impersonating Taobao Staff

2024-01-09

Defrauding Tricks

Recently, the Police have received reports from members of the public about calls from scammers calling themselves Taobao staff. The scammers falsely claimed that the recipients had become VIP members of Taobao and handling charges were required for cancellation of their membership. The scammers then lured the victims to provide information on their bank cards and credit cards and falsely claimed that their bank accounts would be frozen. The victims were instructed to transfer their savings to specific bank accounts and suffered pecuniary losses.

Our Advice

• Do not believe the scammers’ identities simply by the phone numbers they provide. You are advised to verify their identities by making enquiries from the relevant organisations;

• If you receive calls purportedly from staff of any organisations, you should verify their identities by calling the contact numbers shown on official websites;

• You may enter the suspicious information on “Scameter” or “Scameter+”, the mobile app of “Scameter”, for security check;

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

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