Scam action urged as university students in Hong Kong lose HK$75 million

Lawmakers say mainland students should fill in an anti-scam questionnaire before their visas are issued

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The University of Hong Kong said that more than 60 students had fallen prey to scams in recent months. Photo: Yik Yeung-man

Published: 1:57pm, 20 Jan 2025Updated: 10:44pm, 20 Jan 2025

Hong Kong should step up measures to protect mainland Chinese students against scams, such as arranging a quiz before their visas are issued, lawmakers have said, after three local universities reported that more than HK$75 million (US$9.6 million) had been lost to fraudsters.

The growing number of mainlanders falling victim to swindles while studying in the city has prompted authorities on both sides of the border to explore ways to prevent further cases, including asking students to attend talks and watch anti-scam videos before leaving for Hong Kong, according to a source.

Lawmaker Johnny Ng Kit-chong, who is the convenor of an anti-scam alliance, said on Monday a source had also told him that asking students to take a questionnaire on the mainland before their visas were issued could be an option, and that it would help to raise awareness among them.

“I think there is a need for [the questionnaire] since scam syndicates are rampant,” Ng told a radio show.

“Victims are gatekeepers. If their awareness is high, the chances of being scammed will be lower.”

He said such questionnaires should also be done regularly amid constant changes in scam tactics. It remained unclear whether Hong Kong or mainland authorities would arrange a questionnaire.