Mainland HKU student, 18, falls to death after falling victim to official impersonation scam

An 18-year-old mainland Chinese student at the University of Hong Kong died in the early hours of Wednesday after falling from a residential building in Sai Wan.

The victim, surnamed Huang, was discovered unconscious by police patrol officers outside Cheung Ling Mansion on Connaught Road West at approximately 1am.

According to police sources, Huang had recently fallen victim to a phone scam in which fraudsters posed as government officials. The scam resulted in significant financial loss, which authorities believe may have led to the tragedy.

A suicide note was recovered at the scene, sources added.

Huang, who held a passport to study in Hong Kong, resided in the building from which she fell. Investigators retrieved her student ID and a broken watch at the scene.

Despite being rushed to Queen Mary Hospital in critical condition, she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

The case has highlighted the vulnerability of mainland students in Hong Kong to telephone scams.

According to police statistics, there were 327 reported cases of phone scams targeting mainland students last year alone, resulting in total losses exceeding HK$230 million.

The average loss per student amounted to over HK$700,000, with nearly all of these funds provided by victims' parents.

Notably, approximately 80 percent of these scam victims were in their first year of studies in Hong Kong, with some falling prey to the fraudsters even before beginning their academic programs.

In response to this troubling trend, Hong Kong police have strengthened collaboration with universities to enhance anti-fraud education targeting both mainland students and their parents.

An investigation is ongoing.

EDITOR’S NOTE — This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know has suicidal thoughts, help is available. Dial 2896 0000 for The Samaritans or 2382 2007 for Suicide Prevention Services.

You can also call Suicide Prevention Services at 2382 0000 or CEASE Crisis Centre of Tung Wah Groups of Hospitals at 18281.

The government hotline 18111 can provide support for people with mental health needs and render immediate mental health support and referral services.