Cyber Awareness
Hong Kong Woman Loses HK$2.7 Million After Scam Claiming Money Laundering
A 66‑year‑old resident of Sau Mau Ping in Hong Kong lost about HK$2.7 million (roughly ₹3.27 crore) after falling victim to a scam. In October, she received a phone call from a fraudster who alleged that her account used for online insurance purchases was under investigation for suspected money‑laundering activities. The caller convinced her to transfer funds into specified bank accounts for “investigation purposes.” She first sent HK$2 million (₹2.42 crore) and later HK$700,000 (₹84.7 lakh), totaling approximately HK$2.7 million. Realising something was wrong, she filed a police complaint. The case has been registered as deception, with no arrests reported yet.
The incident follows a fraud pattern highlighted by Hong Kong’s Anti‑Deception Coordination Centre (ADCC). In such scams, fraudsters pose as bank staff or law enforcement officials and claim that an account is linked to illegal financial activity, then instruct victims to transfer money into designated accounts. Genuine authorities never ask individuals to move money into specific accounts as part of an investigation. Residents are urged to verify suspicious calls independently.
Hong Kong Police operate a 24‑hour Anti‑Scam Helpline (18222) for assistance and to report suspected fraud. Further information is available on the ADCC website.