Beware of “Upstream Scam Intervention” SMS Messages Purportedly from ADCC
2024-01-12
Defrauding Tricks
The Anti-Deception Coordination Centre (ADCC) launched the scheme of “Upstream Scam Intervention” on 2 January this year in collaboration with the banking sector to enhance the effectiveness of preventing frauds and mitigating losses incurred by scam victims by sending potential victims SMS messages about timely alerts and advice.
Recently, members of the public have reported to the Police that they had received fraudulent SMS messages purporting to be sent by the ADCC. The scammers attempted to confuse the public and lure them into clicking on unknown hyperlinks in order to fraudulently obtain their personal information, bank account numbers, passwords, etc.
The ADCC reminds members of the public of the following two points to distinguish authentic SMS messages from fraudulent ones: The SMS sender ID is “#ADCC18222” with no hyperlinks attached. Please visit the web page of the ADCC for details of the “Upstream Scam Intervention” scheme.
Our Advice
The “Anti-Scam” SMS messages sent by the ADCC will not contain any hyperlinks, QR codes or attachments;
“Anti-Scam Helpline 18222” and “Anti-Scam” SMS messages will not forward phone calls to any legal institutions or instruct the public to seek assistance from such institutions;
Stay alert if you receive phone calls or messages purporting to be made or sent by law firm staff. You should verify their identities through relevant institutions;
Do not believe unknown callers or their SMS messages or disclose your personal information, bank account numbers and passwords to them. Do not transfer money to any accounts;
The Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) has introduced “SMS Sender Registration Scheme”. Please visit the web page of OFCA for relevant information;
Enter suspicious phone numbers, web addresses or transferees’ account numbers 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.