Opinion | Strengthening anti-fraud network for safer 'Study in Hong Kong'

Recently, an 18-year-old mainland student studying at the University of Hong Kong fell victim to a phone scam, losing up to a huge number of HK$9.2 million. This significant financial loss has once again raised public concern about phone fraud activities.

Reports indicate that to prevent mainland students from falling into scams after arriving in Hong Kong, the police are discussing with relevant mainland departments a plan to require prospective students to fill out an anti-fraud questionnaire as a condition for obtaining a visa. Additionally, many local universities are also taking preventive measures, such as requiring students to complete anti-fraud questionnaires to raise awareness and vigilance.

In recent years, Hong Kong has been focused on attracting and nurturing talent, not only striving to create a hub for international high-end talent but also continuously optimizing the "Study in Hong Kong" brand, which has achieved significant results in attracting a large number of new talents. However, due to their unfamiliarity with Hong Kong's social and living environment, some individuals have fallen into fraud traps. Statistics show that during the 2023-2024 academic year, six mainland students at Hong Kong Shue Yan University were scammed, with losses exceeding HK$7.2 million; the City University of Hong Kong recorded over 30 cases of student scams in 2024, involving approximately HK$15 million; and the University of Hong Kong reported that more than 60 students recently became victims of scams, with losses exceeding HK$60 million. The frequent occurrence of student scams poses a threat to the "Study in Hong Kong" brand image and highlights the urgency of anti-fraud efforts.

Fraud gangs are constantly updating their tactics, but common methods often involve impersonating "Hong Kong Immigration Department officers," "Hong Kong Police Force," or "mainland public security" and "officials," claiming that the victim is involved in fraud, money laundering, or other criminal cases, and presenting so-called enforcement documents or arrest warrants. They then request bank account details and passwords for the so-called investigation and demand that a "guarantee deposit" be transferred to a designated account. These tactics are particularly intimidating and deceptive for young individuals, leaving them panicked and fearful, impairing their judgment.

In response to this issue, multiple institutions have implemented measures such as requiring students to fill out anti-fraud questionnaires, distributing anti-fraud learning kits, and creating communication groups. However, to more effectively address this problem at a societal level, collaboration among the government, schools, and the community is necessary to weave a robust anti-fraud network, creating a strong collective effort against fraud.

In terms of legislation and law enforcement, Hong Kong has shown determination to combat fraud. However, given the concealment and complexity of phone and internet fraud, Hong Kong needs to establish more targeted legislation to effectively combat such crimes and increase penalties to enhance deterrence.

In addition to legal measures, expanding anti-fraud initiatives through service providers is also crucial. Social media and financial transaction platforms, as key channels for fraud dissemination and transactions, should take on greater self-regulatory responsibility. The law enforcement departments' programs, such as "Suspicious Account Alerts" and "Fraud Prevention Surveillance," provide strong support for identifying and intercepting fraudulent information and safeguarding funds, and should be effectively utilized to enhance public self-protection awareness.

Of course, relying solely on backend defensive measures is insufficient; strengthening personal data protection is fundamental to preventing phone fraud. Frequent receipt of scams and telemarketing calls exposes vulnerabilities in personal information protection in Hong Kong, which must be addressed technically and legally at an early stage.

(Source: Wen Wei Po)

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