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Cannix Yau

A 21-year-old woman has been arrested in Hong Kong on suspicion of impersonating officials in eight phone scams that resulted in losses of HK$3.7 million (US$471,340).
The force said on Friday that the woman was apprehended in Ngau Tau Kok two days ago on suspicion of obtaining property by deception after a fake police warrant card was found in her possession.
She is currently being held for questioning.
According to police, the suspect was believed to have posing as officials in eight scam cases in June. The victims, aged between 24 and 42, suffered losses ranging from HK$320,000 to more than HK$2.8 million, with the total amounting to HK$3.7 million.
“After searching her residence, police discovered seven confidentiality agreements ... Investigations suggest the arrested woman might have been lured into preparing these confidentiality agreements and handling illicit funds for the scam syndicate in exchange for payment,” the force said.
Police also said officers had been closely monitoring scams in which fraudsters posed as officials.
It added that victims typically received unsolicited calls from people claiming to be from mainland Chinese government departments or law enforcement agencies, and warned people not to fall prey.
“They falsely accuse the victims of involvement in fraud or money laundering activities. The scammers often possess some of the victim’s personal information, leading victims to disclose more information under the guise of cooperating with an investigation,” the force said.
“To add to the scam’s credibility, victims are often asked to sign ‘confidentiality agreements’ with fake law enforcement officers dressed in suits or even to hand over substantial bank guarantee deposits to prove their innocence.”


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Victims, aged between 24 and 42, suffered losses ranging from HK$320,000 to more than HK$2.8 million, police say


Victims, aged between 24 and 42, suffered losses ranging from HK$320,000 to more than HK$2.8 million, police say.


China

Woman arrested in Hong Kong over impersonating officials in scams netting HK$3.7 million

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Victims, aged between 24 and 42, suffered losses ranging from HK$320,000 to more than HK$2.8 million, police say

Victims, aged between 24 and 42, suffered losses ranging from HK$320,000 to more than HK$2.8 million, police say