Anti-fraud messages are so loud and clear nowadays that it might seem unthinkable for anyone to still fall for online or phone scams. However, the recurrence of headlines featuring new plots and tactics shows no one is too smart to be conned. There must be more targeted publicity and education to protect the vulnerable.
A Chinese University student from the mainland told the Post how a phone call from a person claiming to be from the Immigration Department after her arrival last September cost her 200,000 yuan (US$28,000). She was passed on to a “mainland law enforcement officer” in a video call, during which she was shown papers that linked her to an alleged money laundering case and told to transfer money to a bank account for an investigation to clear her name.
The 24-year-old’s experience is not unique. Police figures showed there were 572 scams involving mainland students in the first nine months of this year, with losses reaching HK$110 million (US$14.13 million). The largest loss so far this year involved a 25-year-old mainland student who, following scammers’ instructions, made multiple deposits totalling HK$10.97 million into designated local bank accounts between April and July.
Local students are no less susceptible. The 1,700 reports of suspected scams involving university attendees received by the police this year show even the educated can be outsmarted as scam plots become more sophisticated and complex.
The authorities and universities have rightly stepped up education for new entrants, including mandatory anti-deception training or scam prevention questionnaires to raise vigilance, but the disturbing trend of students being victimised underlines the need for stronger publicity and enforcement. At stake is not just the well-being of individuals, but also the reputation of Hong Kong as a safe city and its ambition to become a high-end education and talent hub.
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