Hong Kong Students Targeted by Scams Highlighting Vigilance Necessity
Despite strong anti-fraud messaging, online and phone scams continue to deceive many, particularly vulnerable groups like new university students in Hong Kong. The influx of students from mainland China every year presents a prime target for scammers. Their unfamiliarity with local culture and systems heightens their risk.
Escalating Scams Among University Students
A recent incident illustrates this growing threat. A student from Chinese University recounted receiving a deceptive phone call claiming to be from the Immigration Department. This call occurred shortly after her arrival in September, costing her 200,000 yuan (approximately US$28,000). The scammer, posing as a law enforcement officer, pressured her into transferring funds to a bank account under the guise of clearing her name in a supposed money laundering case.
Concerning Statistics
- Police reported 572 scams targeting mainland students in the first nine months of this year.
- Total losses for these incidents reached HK$110 million (around US$14.13 million).
- The largest loss involved a 25-year-old student who deposited HK$10.97 million from April to July, following scam instructions.
- Local students are also affected, with 1,700 reported scams involving university attendees in 2023.
The statistics reveal that education and background do not safeguard individuals from increasingly sophisticated scams. Institutions are responding by enhancing educational measures for new students. These include mandatory anti-fraud training sessions and scam prevention questionnaires aimed at increasing awareness and vigilance.
Importance of Enhanced Awareness
The rise in deceitful activities not only impacts students individually but also poses a threat to Hong Kong’s reputation as a secure and attractive educational hub. Educating new arrivals, alongside robust enforcement of anti-scam policies, is critical in combating this alarming trend.
Overall, the need for greater publicity and education on financial scams in Hong Kong remains imperative as the community works to protect its students and uphold its status as a top-tier educational destination.
