Police believe phone scam groups are deliberately recruiting mainland Chinese to exploit their short-term stay in Hong Kong, after arresting a 17-year-old visitor on Wednesday who was allegedly collecting ransom money.
Sham Shui Po district crime squad senior inspector Wan Tin-sing said the teenager, holding a two-way permit and unemployed, was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud. An 88-year-old man received a call that morning from someone posing as his son, who claimed to have been arrested for assault and needed HK$300,000 in bail money.
The elderly man was about to hand over cash but police intervened, arresting the suspect in Tuen Mun the same day and preventing the loss.
Investigations revealed the teenager had also collected HK$100,000 in cash from another person on Lai King Hill Road at noon on Wednesday. Police are urging that victim to come forward.
Between November and December, Sham Shui Po police arrested six suspects in five operations targeting phone scams, including money collectors, lookouts and money handlers. Four were mainland men aged 17 to 35 holding two-way permits. Police believe gangs specifically hire mainlanders to complicate investigations.
Authorities also noted scammers are targeting mainland students in Hong Kong, falsely accusing them of crimes and coercing them into becoming "special investigation agents." These students are forced to meet victims in person, show fake police warrants, mainland law enforcement credentials or investigation documents, and collect "investigation guarantee" money.
Police reminded the public that neither Hong Kong nor mainland law enforcement agencies will ask for bail money on the street. Those receiving calls about arrested relatives should verify details with the relevant police station. Authorities also do not recruit or force people to become "special agents" over the phone or provide fake work documents to collect money from others.
Police warned everyone, including tourists and students, not to participate in scams for quick money. Conspiracy to defraud carries a maximum sentence of 14 years' imprisonment. Due to the severity of phone scams, police may seek enhanced penalties under the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance.
