Water Supplies Department warns of fake bill payment scam texts

The Water Supplies Department is warning the public about fraudulent text messages impersonating the department and demanding payment through a fake website.

The scam messages, containing a mix of traditional and simplified Chinese characters, instruct recipients to click a link to a fraudulent site (wsdgov[.]com) and pay their water bills. The department confirmed it has no connection to the website and has reported the case to police.

In a statement issued Sunday, the department said registered users of its electronic services can access their e-bills and obtain FPS QR codes for payment only after verification on the official website (www.wsd.gov.hk).

The department urged the public to stay alert, avoid clicking suspicious links or providing personal information to unverified sources. Anyone who has shared personal details with the fake site should contact police.

For enquiries, the public can call the department's customer service hotline at 2824 5000, or the anti-scam helpline 18222. The suspicious website has been flagged as "high risk" on the police's "Scameter" online risk-assessment tool.