Despite a decrease in the number of reported phone scam cases in Hong Kong, the financial losses incurred due to such scams have surged. In the first quarter of this year, 474 cases were reported, marking a 21% drop from the same period last year. However, the amount of money lost more than quadrupled to HK$789 million (US$101 million) from HK$195 million. Government official impersonation scams accounted for a significant portion of the losses, with 168 cases responsible for at least HK$760 million of the total money swindled.
Interestingly, more mainland Chinese students in Hong Kong are falling victim to phone scams. Senior Inspector Lam Pui-hang noted that there has been an increase in the number of cases involving mainland Chinese students in the city. In the first quarter of 2024, 39 cases involving these students were recorded, compared to 29 cases in the same period last year. This trend highlights the vulnerability of younger individuals to falling prey to scammers who employ various tactics to deceive and manipulate their victims.
One recent case involved an 18-year-old mainland Chinese victim known as “Chen”, who shared her harrowing experience at a police press conference. She received a call from scammers posing as immigration authorities, who accused her of posting “undesirable advertisements” under her registered phone number in China. Subsequently, she was transferred to another caller claiming to be a mainland Chinese police officer, who falsely accused her of being involved in a money laundering case. The scammer then presented her with fabricated evidence from her real bank account to further deceive her into believing the scam.
The psychological manipulation tactics employed by scammers are alarming, as they create a sense of urgency and fear in their victims to prevent them from questioning or verifying the authenticity of the claims made. Chen, in this case, was shown an arrest warrant and an order for her bank account to be frozen, with threats of immediate arrest if she disclosed any information. These tactics are designed to overwhelm the victims with fear and confusion, making them more susceptible to complying with the scammers’ demands without rational thinking.
The increase in financial losses due to phone scams, coupled with the rise in cases involving mainland Chinese students in Hong Kong, underscores the importance of public awareness and education on scam prevention. Law enforcement agencies and educational institutions must collaborate to educate individuals, especially younger demographics, on how to identify and avoid falling victim to phone scams. By equipping the public with the necessary knowledge and skills to recognize and report suspicious activities, the community can collectively combat the growing threat of phone scams and protect vulnerable individuals from financial exploitation.
In conclusion, the surge in financial losses due to phone scams in Hong Kong, combined with the rise in cases involving mainland Chinese students, highlights the need for proactive measures to address this issue. Efforts to enhance public awareness, strengthen collaboration between law enforcement agencies and educational institutions, and empower individuals with the tools to recognize and report suspicious activities are crucial in combating phone scams. By working together to educate and protect the community from falling victim to scams, authorities can reduce the impact of financial losses and safeguard vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
