Scam alert: Tips from HK police to protect yourself

Every year, many mainland students come to study in Hong Kong. However, cultural differences between Hong Kong and the mainland have created opportunities for scammers. Many mainland students have fallen victim to fraud, with losses reaching shocking amounts.

On January 16, the University of Hong Kong (HKU) emailed students, revealing that over 60 HKU students were scammed in recent months, with total losses exceeding 60 million HKD—an average of 1 million HKD per victim. Most of the victims were mainland students. According to reports, an 18-year-old mainland female student at HKU was scammed out of 9.2 million HKD by fraudsters posing as telecom employees, claiming she was involved in a money-laundering case.

Other universities in Hong Kong have reported similar incidents. The City University of Hong Kong revealed that they received over 30 reports of student scams last year, with losses totaling approximately 15 million HKD. To raise awareness, universities such as HKU, CityU, and Hong Kong Polytechnic University have required students to complete anti-scam surveys, with some even restricting library access for those who fail to complete them.

Telecom Scam Prevention Tips

With rising telecom fraud, an effective anti-scam guide is urgently needed. Based on information from the Anti-Deception Coordination Centre (ADCC) of the Hong Kong Police Force, here are some key tips to remember:

Be Aware of Common Scam Tactics

Scammers often pretend to be officials from the Hong Kong Police Force, Immigration Department, or other authorities. They may claim you're involved in international money laundering, your bank card has been compromised, or you've violated serious regulations, urging you to transfer money. Other scams involve impersonating entities like UnionPay, insurance companies, delivery platforms, auction websites, or online merchants. Stay updated on the latest scams by visiting the ADCC website. Remember: scammers constantly adapt their tactics. Stay vigilant, keep up with news on new scam methods, and don't let your guard down. Always remind yourself, "I haven't been scammed yet because the perfect scam for me hasn't been created." Stay alert.

Never Transfer Money or Share Sensitive Information

If a scammer contacts you and asks you to transfer money for any reason, treat it as a red flag. Refuse to send money, especially through instant payment methods like FPS (Faster Payment System), where transactions are immediate. Additionally, never share personal information (such as your name, ID number, address, bank account number, or passwords) with strangers or unknown apps or websites. Scammers can use this information to steal money from you or even your friends and family.

Don't Trust Appearances—Stay Calm and Rational

Scammers often work in groups, using fake props such as police uniforms, official-looking documents, or staged backgrounds to intimidate victims. They may pressure you with threats or urgency, leaving you little time to think. Always stay calm and question what you see, especially if you feel scared or rushed. Even if something looks convincing, don't believe it without verifying.

Beware of Messages Without a "#" Prefix

The Communications Authority has implemented a "Message Sender Registration System," where verified senders' messages will start with a "#" symbol. Ignore any messages that don't include this prefix, and avoid clicking on suspicious links to prevent your personal information from being stolen.

Call the Anti-Scam Hotline

If you suspect you're being scammed, call the 24-hour Anti-Scam Hotline at 18222 immediately for assistance. If you notice friends or family members falling for a scam and they refuse to believe they're being deceived, call the hotline for help as well.

Stay Informed and Share the Tips

Visit the ADCC website for more information and raise your anti-scam awareness. Share these tips with friends and family. Scam tactics evolve quickly—stay cautious at all times!

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