Phone scammers now using WeChat voice messages to snare victims
Hong Kong police warn public to be alert over new tactic in which those targeted are isolated by being told to turn off various functions on cellphones
Scammers posing as mainland security officials are using the mobile instant messaging platform WeChat rather than phone calls to cheat victims in a new ruse that has prompted Hong Kong police to issue a warning for the public to stay alert.
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Con artists set up a WeChat account under the name of “police investigators” or “prosecutors” and sent an “add new friend” request to their targets. According to police, fraudsters then contacted victims via recorded voice messages through WeChat instead of calling.
Victims were instructed to turn on their mobile’s call-forwarding function and transfer calls to a designated number – under the excuse of avoiding interference during investigations and to record conversations – and they were also asked to deactivate their phone’s SMS function.
“So victims are unable to receive phone calls or text messages and have less opportunity to contact families and friends – who may remind them about scams,” police said on their website.
A police source said: “In the end, victims are accused of being involved in a criminal case and instructed to transfer money to bank accounts as a surety during an investigation.”