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Hong Kong society
OpinionLetters

Letters | Hong Kong should teach fact-checking skills to fight fraud and scams

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An exhibition was held in December last year to raise public awareness of fraud prevention. The exhibition showcases artwork adapted from tactics used in love scams, phishing attempts and other types of swindles. Photo: Edmond So
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Despite intensive publicity campaigns and other fraud-fighting measures, the number of scams in Hong Kong continues to rise. Technology-related fraud cases hit a record high last year, with losses reaching an astonishing HK$5.49 billion (US$704 million), an increase of 71 per cent from 2022.
More recently, investment-linked scams surged by 55.2 per cent in the first three months of this year, resulting in losses of more than HK$900 million. Over the same period, even though the number of phone scams fell compared to a year ago, the losses quadrupled to HK$789 million.
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Criminal scams are clearly a headache for the local authorities. It’s not only that they cause severe economic losses and mental distress to the victims involved. The aftermath is an erosion of trust that results in people questioning the authenticity of every connection and interaction.

Like many other Hongkongers, I receive a fair share of phishing calls and scam messages from unscrupulous people pretending to be government officials, bank staff or couriers. Well aware of the surge in fraud incidents in recent years, I find myself more and more reluctant to give away my contact details to anyone. To protect myself, I no longer respond to any suspicious messages or take calls from any unknown caller unless they leave a message clarifying their purpose first.

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Moreover, I always do my own due diligence when dealing with new businesses or individuals asking for payment or my personal details. And this is exactly where I believe most people struggle. When you review the scam incidents reported, the victims often did their own due diligence too and still fell prey to fraud.

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