Scam alert: fraudsters pose as HKMA to part Hongkongers from their money via deceptive WhatsApp messages
- The city’s de facto central bank reported the incidents to the police and stresses that it does not contact the public on personal financial matters
- Scammers seemingly thumb their noses at the regulator, which recently launched a campaign warning about financial frauds
Scammers posing as the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) are tricking Hongkongers into paying fake fees, seemingly thumbing their noses at the regulator after it recently launched a campaign warning the public about phone scams and financial fraud.
The city’s de facto central bank said on Thursday said it had contacted the police after some members of the public reported receiving messages via WhatsApp that purported to be issued by the authority.
“These messages and documents demand money transfers to pay charges or taxes to recover frozen assets or payments made to fraudsters,” HKMA said.
“The HKMA wishes to reiterate that it will not contact the public regarding personal financial matters, nor will it communicate with the public by forming groups on instant messaging applications.”
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The HKMA urged people who have fallen victim to such fraudulent acts to contact the police hotline at 2860 5012 for further investigation.
