Hong Kong Police Warns Of Tai Po Fire Scams
HONG KONG (WHN) – Hong Kong police have issued an urgent warning to the public about scams targeting residents affected by a recent fatal fire in Tai Po. Authorities report criminals are impersonating government officials and bank staff in an attempt to steal personal and financial information from vulnerable victims.
The scams emerged following the incident at Kwong Fuk Estate.
Fraudsters are contacting residents by phone or through instant messaging applications, according to a police statement. These individuals falsely claim to be representatives from organizations like the Social Welfare Department or the Home Affairs Department. They offer to help victims apply for emergency financial assistance or government allowances related to the fire.
The core of the scam involves tricking residents into divulging sensitive data. Scammers request personal identification numbers, bank account details, online banking passwords, and one-time security codes under the guise of processing relief funds.
Police have confirmed that no government department or bank will ever ask for online banking passwords or security codes over the phone or via message.
Authorities stressed that the primary goal of these criminals is to gain unauthorized access to victims’ bank accounts to transfer funds away. The methods employed are a form of phishing, exploiting the post-disaster confusion and the urgent needs of those displaced or impacted by the fire.
The official response to the fire is being coordinated through established channels. The Social Welfare Department has set up assistance points and is working directly with affected households. Residents seeking information about legitimate aid are advised to contact departments through official phone numbers and service centers, not through unsolicited calls.
Police urged extreme caution. They advise anyone receiving a suspicious call or message to hang up immediately and not to provide any personal information or click on any unverified links. The public should not transfer money or disclose financial details to unknown callers.
Residents are encouraged to verify the identity of any caller claiming to be an official by independently finding and calling the department’s general line. Family members and neighbors of elderly residents in the Tai Po district are asked to share this warning to prevent them from falling victim.
Anyone who suspects they have been targeted by such a scam is instructed to call the Anti-Scam Helpline at 18222 for immediate assistance and reporting.
