Mooncake scams surge ahead of Mid-Autumn Festival

As the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, Hong Kong police have reported a spike in online shopping scams, with over 1,100 cases this month, including dozens involving mooncakes and festive foods, resulting in significant financial losses.

With the Mid-Autumn Festival nearing, Hong Kong residents eager to purchase mooncakes and other festive treats online have become prime targets for scammers. 

Authorities revealed through their official social media channel that more than 1,100 online shopping scams have been reported this month alone, leading to losses nearing HK$30 million. 

Among these, over 40 cases specifically involved fraudulent purchases of mooncakes and other food items, costing victims more than HK$170,000.

The police remind the public to stay vigilant during the holidays to avoid being scammed. 

They advise shoppers to verify the background of sellers, opt for reputable retailers or official platforms, and remain wary of deals that appear too good to be true, as scammers exploit the holiday rush to lure unsuspecting buyers.