Hong Kong’s gender imbalance and marriage pressure blamed for rise in online dating scams
Alarming new figures show 114 cases of online dating fraud last year, costing victims a total of HK$95 million
Hong Kong’s gender imbalance and societal pressure on women to get married are among factors being blamed for a rise in online dating scam cases, which have increased fourfold in the city in just three years.
Last year, 114 cases of online dating fraud were reported to police in the city, costing victims a total of HK$95 million, alarming new figures show.
In 2014, there were 29 cases reported, costing HK$30.3 million, while in 2015, police handled 62 cases involving total losses of HK$32.42 million.
The figures suggest Hong Kong women have become increasingly vulnerable to online dating scams.
Scammers typically pose as Western professionals working in Southeast Asia, possibly as bankers or entrepreneurs. After forming an online relationship with their victims, they will ask them for money to pay off a tax debt or even a customs payment for a gift they claim they are intending to send them.
Previous scams have seen victims then depositing significant amounts of money into bank accounts in foreign countries including Malaysia. Their scammers will then disappear shortly after the transaction or even several transactions despite making promises of romantic commitment and even marriage.