Beware of Phishing SMSs! ADCC and HKMA Will Not Commission Solicitors to Handle Cases
2025-04-16
Defrauding Tricks
Recently, some members of the public have received messages purportedly from the Anti-Deception Coordination Centre (ADCC) of the Hong Kong Police Force and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA). The messages, which falsely claimed that a law firm had been commissioned to investigate and assist in recovering frozen assets or defrauded money, lured the recipients to contact such bogus law firm.
The scammers then requested victims to provide their bank account details, such as account numbers, online banking usernames and passwords, or to transfer money to designated accounts, for tracking and recovering their losses. The victims ended up suffering pecuniary loss.
How can you distinguish genuine messages from fraudulent ones?
All messages claiming that the ADCC is working with solicitors are fraudulent;
The “Registered SMS Sender ID” of the ADCC is “#ADCC18222”;
SMSs sent by the ADCC will not contain any hyperlinks. “Anti-Scam Helpline 18222” is the only phone number of the ADCC.
Statement by HKMA and Police
The HKMA and the Police have clarified that these messages are all fraudulent and reminded the public to stay vigilant against scams.
The HKMA has reiterated that it will not contact individual members of the public regarding personal financial matters or commission any law firms to assist the public in recovering defrauded money.
Our Advice
Do not hastily believe any messages, pages or advertisements claiming to assist in recovery of fraud losses;
Before seeking assistance from professionals, you are advised to find out their backgrounds and professional qualifications. You may search for solicitors’ information on the website of the Law Society of Hong Kong;
If in doubt, please call the “Anti-Scam Helpline 18222” for enquiries.
