[Telephone Deception] Scammers Impersonate Security Bureau to Solicit Personal Information under False Crime Allegations

2025-06-23

Recently, members of the public have received fraudulent calls purportedly made by Security Bureau staff, requesting personal information or asking them to visit Security Bureau’s office in person for verification. The Security Bureau has issued a solemn statement to clarify that this is untrue.

 

Defrauding Tricks

1. Scammers claim to be staff of the “Information Technology Department” under the Security Bureau or Digital Policy Office. They are able to tell the names and even identity card numbers of victims
2. They falsely claim that the victims “have committed serious offences that threaten national security”, “have sent suspicious messages, so public security officers are going to arrest them” or “their identities are fraudulently used to register prepaid SIM cards”, etc.
3. Scammers provide contact numbers and instruct victims to visit Security Bureau’s office in person for verification. In some cases, they also ask victims to complete a form and submit it electronically.

 

Our Advice

• Even if strangers who send you messages are able to tell your personal information, it does not necessarily mean that they are genuine law enforcement officers. Scammers can obtain the personal information of the public by unlawful means;
• Genuine law enforcement officers will not ask for your online banking passwords in investigation of cases, or ask you to transfer money to designated bank accounts;
• If someone claims to be a law enforcement officer or employee of a government department and ask for your personal information and assets for various reasons, you should check and verify their identity with the relevant agency;
• If in doubt, please call “Anti-Scam Helpline 18222” for enquiries.