Woman arrested for operating fake donation site for Tai Po fire victims

A 27-year-old mainland woman was arrested for creating a fake website aimed at scamming funds intended for victims of the Tai Po fire.

In a press conference on Tuesday, police detailed that they received a report on Saturday (Nov 29) regarding a suspicious website impersonating a local social organization to solicit public donations under the guise of a Wang Fuk Court fire relief fund.

Upon receiving the report, police swiftly coordinated with the Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre (HKCERT) to remove the fake website and contacted relevant banks to halt transactions related to the implicated accounts on the same night.

Fortunately, no victims have fallen for the scam so far.

Officers subsequently arrested the unemployed 27-year-old suspect -- holding a two-way exit permit -- on Monday (Dec 1), who is believed to be a stooge account holder.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not ruled out the possibility of further arrests.

Police condemned the despicable actions of those exploiting the compassion and solidarity of residents during tragic times and urged the public to donate only through official channels.