Threat
Landscape.
Understanding how scammers operate is your first line of defense. Learn to recognize and avoid sophisticated fraud tactics targeting Hong Kong residents.
Government Impersonation Scam
Police, Immigration, Prosecutors
Modus Operandi
Impersonating police, prosecutors, immigration officials, or government agencies to create fear and urgency. Scammers use spoofed caller IDs to make calls appear from legitimate government numbers.
Real Case
Ms. Wong received a call from "Mainland Police" claiming she was involved in money laundering. She was instructed to transfer HK$500,000 to a "safe account" for investigation and lost all her savings.
Typical Scripts
- • "Hello, I'm Officer XX from XX Police Station. Your ID was used for money laundering"
- • "The case is under investigation, you cannot tell anyone"
- • "Transfer your savings to a safe account or they'll be frozen"
- • "Stay on the line and follow my instructions precisely"
⚠️ Red Flags
- • Real law enforcement doesn't handle cases over phone
- • Never ask transfers to "safe accounts"
- • Never demand secrecy from family
- • Requests for remote access to your computer
E-commerce & Courier Scam
Fake refunds, delivery issues
Modus Operandi
Impersonating customer service for refunds, compensation, or delivery issues to obtain banking details. Often follows real online purchases, suggesting data leaks from e-commerce platforms.
Real Case
Mr. Chan received a "customer service" call about product issues offering a refund. After providing his bank details and verification code, HK$30,000 was stolen from his account.
Common Variations
- • Fake delivery notifications requiring payment
- • Product recall with compensation offers
- • Subscription renewal scams
- • Package customs clearance fees
⚠️ Red Flags
- • Legitimate refunds go back to original payment method
- • Never ask for verification codes
- • Requests for remote desktop access
- • Pressure to act quickly before package "returns"
Investment & "Pig Butchering"
Fake crypto, forex platforms
Modus Operandi
High-return, low-risk investment promises through fake platforms, often involving cryptocurrency or forex trading. Victims are groomed over weeks or months before the financial exploitation begins.
Real Case
Mr. Lee met an "investment advisor" on social media who showed impressive returns. After investing HK$200,000, the platform disappeared and the advisor blocked him.
The Process
Grooming
Building trust
Small Gains
Show fake profits
Large Investment
Victim invests big
Disappearance
Platform vanishes
⚠️ Red Flags
- • Promises of high returns with low risk
- • Require upfront payment or transfer
- • Unregulated investment platforms
- • Pressure to recruit others (Ponzi)
- • Complex products hard to understand
- • No physical office or credentials
Romance & Relationship Scam
Emotional manipulation
Modus Operandi
Building emotional relationships online to exploit victims financially through fabricated emergencies. Scammers use stolen photos and scripted dialogues to create false intimacy.
Real Case
Ms. Chen met a "businessman" online who claimed to be stuck overseas. Over 6 months, she transferred over HK$800,000 for various "emergencies" before discovering his photos were stolen.
Common Scenarios
- • Medical emergencies requiring immediate payment
- • Business opportunities needing investment
- • Travel costs to meet in person
- • Customs fees for packages or inheritance
⚠️ Red Flags
- • Refusal to meet in person or video call
- • Relationships progress unusually quickly
- • Always has excuses for not meeting
- • Photos that seem professionally taken
Tech Support Scam
Remote access theft
Modus Operandi
Pretending to be technical support to gain remote access to devices and steal information or money. Often uses fake virus warnings or security alerts to create panic.
Real Case
Mrs. Lau received a pop-up claiming her computer was infected. She called the number and allowed "Microsoft support" remote access, who then "found" viruses and charged HK$5,000 for removal while stealing her banking passwords.
Common Tactics
- • Pop-up warnings about viruses
- • Phone calls claiming to be from Microsoft/Apple
- • Email alerts about suspicious activity
- • Refunds for overcharged services
⚠️ Red Flags
- • Unsolicited contact about computer problems
- • Requests for remote desktop access
- • Payment via gift cards or crypto
- • Pressure to act immediately
Job & Employment Scam
Fake job offers
Modus Operandi
Fake job offers requiring upfront payment for training, equipment, or background checks. Often targets fresh graduates or those seeking work-from-home opportunities.
Real Case
Recent graduate Mr. Ho received a high-paying work-from-home offer. He paid HK$8,000 for "training materials" and "software licenses" but never heard from the company again.
Common Variations
- • Mystery shopper assignments
- • Work-from-home data entry
- • Package reshipping roles
- • Social media influencer management
⚠️ Red Flags
- • Jobs requiring upfront payment
- • Interviews only via messaging apps
- • Salaries too high for requirements
- • Use personal bank accounts for company
SMS Phishing (Smishing)
Malicious links via text
Modus Operandi
Fraudulent SMS messages containing malicious links designed to steal banking credentials or personal data. Often impersonates banks, delivery services, or government departments.
Real Case
Mr. Kwok received an SMS claiming to be from his bank, stating his account was suspended. He clicked the link and entered his credentials, resulting in HK$150,000 being transferred out within hours.
Common Messages
- • "Your package delivery failed, click to reschedule"
- • "Bank account suspended, verify immediately"
- • "Tax refund available, claim now"
- • "Suspicious login detected"
⚠️ Red Flags
- • Generic greetings ("Dear Customer")
- • Urgent threats or limited-time offers
- • Suspicious links (misspelled domains)
- • Poor grammar or spelling mistakes
Universal Prevention Tips
Essential rules to protect yourself from all types of scams
Verify Independently
Always verify through official channels using contact information you find yourself, not what's provided by the potential scammer.
Take Your Time
Legitimate organizations never pressure you to make immediate decisions. Take time to think and consult others.
Don't Keep Secrets
Scammers often demand secrecy. Always discuss with family, friends, or authorities before taking action.
Protect Financial Info
Never share banking details, passwords, or verification codes with anyone, regardless of their claimed identity.
Too Good to Be True
If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. High returns always come with high risks.
Report Immediately
If you suspect a scam, report immediately to authorities. Early reporting can prevent others from becoming victims.
Need Immediate Help?
If you or someone you know is currently facing a suspicious situation, don't hesitate to seek help.