Scammers send fake police warrant card on WhatsApp, netizens spot pixelated badges

Citzens reported receiving WhatsApp messages from an individual claiming to be “Senior Inspector ” from the Hong Kong Police Force’s Anti-Deception Coordination Centre(ADCC), accompanied by a photo of a supposed warrant card, prompting scam suspicions. 

The scam messages, which began circulating this week, approach potential victims with claims about investigating cyber fraud cases. Social media posts highlighted the card’s poor print quality, pixelated police emblem, and irregular fonts, with users noting: “A warrant card? Ninety percent chance it’s a scam,” and “Showing a warrant card directly instead of leaving a card is suspicious.”

The police, responding to Sing Tao Daily on Wednesday, clarified that Anti-Deception Coordination Centre officers contact citizens via phone or WhatsApp solely to issue scam alerts, never sending warrant card photos. Officers do not assist with complaints, request bank transfers, or ask for online banking passwords, only arranging in-person meetings at police stations.

Hong Kong police warrant cards feature the force’s emblem, “Hong Kong Police” in Chinese and English, the officer’s name, rank, issue date, photo, and employee number, with laser and ultraviolet anti-forgery measures. Citizens doubting a card or claimed police identity should contact the force.

The police warned that scammers may illegally obtain personal data, so even accurate details do not confirm legitimacy. Suspected contacts claiming to be from the centre should be verified by calling the “Anti-Scam 18222” hotline.