Online scams are on the rise in Hong Kong, with fraudsters tricking residents out of over HK$200 million recently. One merchant lost HK$145 million while trying to buy cryptocurrency mining equipment after being misled by a fake WhatsApp account that used AI to mimic a voice. Police are warning the public about increasing investment scams and impersonation cases, especially around Valentine’s Day. They advise everyone to stay alert, especially for scams that begin with online romance. Residents can utilize the Scameter tool, available on the CyberDefender website and as an app, to check suspicious links and protect themselves from fraud.
Online Scams in Hong Kong: A Rising Concern
In recent weeks, Hong Kong has experienced a surge in online scams, with residents losing significant amounts of money to fraudsters. In just one week last month, scammers tricked individuals out of more than HK$200 million (approximately 870 million baht). One notable case involved the use of artificial intelligence, where a merchant was led to transfer HK$145 million while trying to purchase cryptocurrency mining equipment.
The merchant believed he was dealing with a legitimate mainland Chinese company and communicated through WhatsApp. During the discussions, he received what sounded like voice messages from the company’s financial manager, who was actually impersonated by the scammer. Following these messages, the victim made three large transfers of USDT, a type of digital currency. It wasn’t until he realized he had been scammed that he reported the incident to the police.
Authorities have urged residents to be cautious of investment scams. Police Commissioner Raymond Siu Chak-yee recently warned that there has been an increase in scams, particularly those starting with online romance schemes. Scammers often build a connection with their victims before sending links to fraudulent investment opportunities.
In another case, a property owner lost HK$7 million to a scammer pretending to be interested in renting her flat. After building a rapport, the scammer convinced her to invest in cryptocurrency on a fake platform called Coinupex. Once the funds were transferred, the fraudster disappeared.
Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant against scams, especially during busy seasons like the upcoming Spring Lantern Festival and Valentine’s Day. To help the public, Hong Kong police have introduced the Scameter search engine, accessible through the CyberDefender website and app, where users can verify suspicious links and avoid falling victim to these scams.
Stay safe and always double-check before making any online transactions. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Tags: online scams, Hong Kong fraud, cryptocurrency scams, CyberDefender, Scameter, investment scams
FAQ about Hong Kong Scams and AI Voice-Cloning
What happened to Hong Kongers regarding scams?
In just one week, Hong Kong residents lost about B870 million to scams.
How were scammers using AI voice-cloning?
Scammers were using AI technology to mimic voices, making it easier to trick people over the phone.
What types of scams were involved?
The scams included fake investment offers, loan scams, and impersonation of trusted individuals.
What can people do to protect themselves from scams?
To stay safe, people should verify calls, never share personal information, and report suspicious activity immediately.
Is there any help available for scam victims?
Yes, victims can contact local police and organizations dedicated to fighting fraud for assistance and support.
