Mainland student loses $190,000 in Xiaohongshu rental scam

A mainland student lost about HK$190,000 in a rental scam after contacting a self-proclaimed licensed Hong Kong property agency on Xiaohongshu.

The account offered a newly renovated 350-square-foot flat for about HK$20,000 per month, promising a 20 percent discount for a full year's advance payment. Urged by claims of high demand, the student transferred the money.

Upon arriving in Hong Kong, the student found the address did not exist. The agent blamed a "website data error," refused an immediate refund and suggested another "better" unit requiring an extra deposit. After paying more, the agent disappeared.

Police shared the case on Xiaohongshu, warning non-local students against transferring money before seeing a property, especially when dealing entirely online. They advised verifying agents through official channels, local contacts or schools, being wary of time-limited offers, urgent transfers and prepayment discounts, and calling the anti-scam hotline 18222 or reporting to police if suspicious.