On Receipt of Suspicious Calls, Emails or SMS Messages
Calls with “+852”: Beware of caller numbers with a “+” sign as a prefix displayed on mobile phones, which indicates that the calls originate from a place outside Hong Kong. If an unfamiliar call with the prefix “+852” is received, the caller should have masqueraded as a local caller;
Verify authenticity: Even if a stranger possesses your personal data, such as your full name, HKID card number or date of birth, be wary of the true identity of the stranger. Contact the relevant organisations to verify the authenticity of the caller;
Be vigilant: Do not disclose any personal data, including HKID card number, bank account number and password, and credit card information etc., to others arbitrarily; and
Be careful with links: Avoid opening attachments or clicking links in suspicious emails or SMS messages.
Use of Online Personal Accounts
Keep an eye on your accounts: Monitor transactions in online personal accounts from time to time and watch out for any unusual log-in records of the accounts and personal emails; and
Password protection: Change the passwords of online personal accounts from time to time and activate the two-factor authentication feature (if any).
Keeping Abreast of the Latest News
Fraud prevention information: Pay attention to fraud prevention messages by the Police or relevant organisations to avoid phishing websites or fraudulent calls; and
Reminding friends and relatives: Share information relating to fraudulent cases with friends and relatives (especially the elderlies and youngsters) to enhance their awareness to guard against fraud.
Relevant Examples
Print
Impersonating an officer of the Centre for Health Protection: The fraudster claimed that the victim had been infected with COVID-19, or had become a close contact owing to contacts with a confirmed patient and had to be quarantined, thereby seeking to obtain the victim’s personal data.
Impersonating a law enforcement officer of the Mainland: The fraudster was able to provide the name and HKID card number of the victim. The fruadster claimed that the victim had smuggled vaccines or was involved in money laundering. The call was then transferred to another fraudster impersonating another law enforcement officer in order to obtain the personal data of the victim.
Impersonating an employee of a courier company: The fraudster provided a link similar to that of the courier company’s website, asking the victim to provide his or her address for mail delivery and pay for the postage. The fraudster then sought to obtain personal data such as the victim’s credit card number and name.
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“Anti-Scam Helpline 18222” Hotline, the Anti-Deception Coordination Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force
If you suspect that you or your family members have fallen prey to a scam, please dial 999 for assistance. For details, please visit: Hong Kong Police Website – Contact Us