Privacy watchdog receives 42 complaints over fake job ads targeting construction workers

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) has received 42 complaints over the past two weeks involving fake recruitment advertisements used to obtain personal data, with all cases linked to vacancies in the construction sector.

The watchdog said scammers have become more active as the Lunar New Year approaches, using various tactics to obtain personal information and money, including online dating, shopping, and recruitment scams.

According to the PCPD, all complainants were construction workers who noticed messages about casual site jobs on social media platforms and instant messaging groups such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and WeChat.

After expressing interest in the vacancies, the workers provided personal information to the message senders, including photos of their Hong Kong identity cards, Construction Worker Registration Cards, and Construction Industry Safety Training Certificates, commonly known as “green cards.” Some victims also provided their bank account numbers.

The message senders later instructed some workers to gather at designated MTR station exits at specified times. However, the senders never appeared and subsequently lost contact.

Concerned that their personal data may have been misused or exploited for other illegal purposes, the workers lodged complaints with the PCPD.

The watchdog said it is following up on the cases in accordance with established procedures and urged job seekers to remain vigilant when seeking employment through social media and messaging groups.

It reminded the public to verify the identity of recruiters or intermediaries through official or reliable channels before providing any personal information, and to avoid disclosing unnecessary data.

Job seekers should understand the purpose of data collection and refrain from providing sensitive information, such as bank account details, before a formal job offer is made, the watchdog said.

The PCPD also advised keeping records of all recruitment-related communications in case follow-up action is needed, and paying attention to anti-scam alerts issued by the PCPD, police, and other relevant organizations.

Members of the public who suspect their personal data has been improperly used may contact the PCPD’s Personal Data Scam Prevention Hotline at 3423 6611 or email communications@pcpd.org.hk. Those who believe their data has been stolen and involves criminal activity should report the matter to police.

The public can also use the “Scameter” to check suspicious phone numbers, email addresses, and websites.