Hong Kong Police Bust Phone Scam Syndicates Targeting Elderly and Locals

Hong Kong police have successfully dismantled two major phone scam operations targeting elderly citizens and vulnerable individuals, arresting five suspects and preventing significant financial losses.

In a targeted operation led by West Kowloon police, a syndicate behind the notorious “Guess Who I Am” phone scam was brought down on May 15. This scam involves fraudsters calling elderly victims, pretending to be relatives in urgent need of money. Officers intercepted the suspects as they attempted to collect HK$50,000 from a 90-year-old woman in Wong Tai Sin, recovering the cash and averting the fraud.

Four people were arrested, including a 28-year-old man surnamed Sit, believed to be a key player in the scam. Two 14-year-old boys and a 32-year-old man previously detained were also linked to the group. The syndicate is believed to be connected to at least five other cases involving victims aged 72 to 97, with total losses of HK$480,000. All suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.

In a separate incident on May 13, a 45-year-old woman narrowly escaped falling victim to a “fake mainland official” scam. The victim received a call from a fraudster claiming to be a mainland law enforcement officer accusing her of economic crimes. Over two days, the scammer pressured her to comply in secret, even arranging a face-to-face meeting in Yau Ma Tei.

Growing suspicious, the woman alerted the Anti-Deception Coordination Centre (ADCC). Police moved in and arrested a 28-year-old woman surnamed Yau near Public Square Street. Yau was posing as a “special investigator” and was caught presenting a fake ID and pressuring the victim to sign false documents with a thumbprint.

Officers seized forged documents, a red ink pad, and the counterfeit law enforcement ID. Yau has been charged with attempting to obtain property by deception and is set to appear at West Kowloon Magistrates’ Court on May 17.

Police urge the public, especially the elderly, to stay vigilant and report suspicious calls immediately. Anyone who suspects they are being targeted by a phone scam should contact the ADCC’s 24-hour anti-scam hotline at 18222.