Common Telecom Scam Types

Learn to recognize and avoid sophisticated fraud tactics

Major Scam Categories

Understanding how scammers operate is your first line of defense

Government Impersonation Scam

Modus Operandi

Impersonating police, prosecutors, immigration officials, or government agencies to create fear and urgency.

Real Case: Ms. Wong received a call from "Mainland Police" claiming she was involved in money laundering. She was instructed to transfer HK$500,000 to a "safe account" for investigation and lost all her savings.

Typical Script Patterns

  • "Hello, I'm Officer XX from XX Police Station. Your ID was used for money laundering"
  • "The case is under investigation, you cannot tell anyone"
  • "Transfer your savings to a safe account or they'll be frozen"
  • "Stay on the line and follow my instructions precisely"
  • "This is time-sensitive, you must act immediately"

⚠️ Red Flags

  • Real law enforcement doesn't handle cases over phone
  • Never ask transfers to "safe accounts"
  • Never demand secrecy from family
  • Never send fake warrants via phone
  • Requests for remote access to your computer
  • Demands for personal banking information
E-commerce & Courier Scam

Modus Operandi

Impersonating customer service for refunds, compensation, or delivery issues to obtain banking details.

Real Case: Mr. Chan received a "customer service" call about product issues offering a refund. After providing his bank details and verification code, HK$30,000 was stolen from his account.

Common Variations

  • Fake delivery notifications requiring payment
  • Product recall with compensation offers
  • Subscription renewal scams
  • Quality issues requiring refund processing
  • Package customs clearance fees

⚠️ Red Flags

  • Legitimate refunds go back to original payment method
  • Never ask for verification codes
  • Requests for remote desktop access
  • Pressure to act quickly before package "returns to sender"
  • Payment requests via unconventional methods
Investment & "Pig Butchering" Scam

Modus Operandi

High-return, low-risk investment promises through fake platforms, often involving cryptocurrency or forex trading.

Real Case: Mr. Lee met an "investment advisor" on social media who showed impressive returns. After investing HK$200,000, the platform disappeared and the advisor blocked him.

The Process

  • Grooming Phase: Building trust through consistent communication
  • Small Gains: Initial small investments show fake profits
  • Large Investment: Victim invests significant amounts
  • Disappearance: Platform vanishes with funds

⚠️ Red Flags

  • Promises of high returns with low risk
  • Require upfront payment or transfer
  • Unregulated investment platforms
  • Pressure to recruit others (Ponzi scheme characteristics)
  • Complex products that are hard to understand
  • No physical office or verifiable credentials
Romance & Relationship Scam

Modus Operandi

Building emotional relationships online to exploit victims financially through fabricated emergencies.

Real Case: Ms. Chen met a "businessman" online who claimed to be stuck overseas. Over 6 months, she transferred over HK$800,000 for various "emergencies" before discovering his photos were stolen.

Common Scenarios

  • Medical emergencies requiring immediate payment
  • Business opportunities needing investment
  • Travel costs to meet in person
  • Family emergencies requiring urgent help
  • Customs fees for packages or inheritance

⚠️ Red Flags

  • Refusal to meet in person or video call
  • Relationships progress unusually quickly
  • Always has excuses for not meeting
  • Requests for money through third parties
  • Photos that seem professionally taken or inconsistent
  • Sob stories designed to evoke sympathy
Tech Support Scam

Modus Operandi

Pretending to be technical support to gain remote access to devices and steal information or money.

Real Case: Mrs. Lau received a pop-up claiming her computer was infected. She called the number and allowed "Microsoft support" remote access, who then "found" viruses and charged HK$5,000 for removal while stealing her banking passwords.

Common Tactics

  • Pop-up warnings about viruses or security breaches
  • Phone calls claiming to be from Microsoft/Apple
  • Email alerts about suspicious account activity
  • Refunds for overcharged services

⚠️ Red Flags

  • Unsolicited contact about computer problems
  • Requests for remote desktop access
  • Payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency
  • Pressure to act immediately due to "security threats"
  • Requests for passwords or sensitive information
Job & Employment Scam

Modus Operandi

Fake job offers requiring upfront payment for training, equipment, or background checks.

Real Case: Recent graduate Mr. Ho received a high-paying work-from-home offer. He paid HK$8,000 for "training materials" and "software licenses" but never heard from the company again.

Common Variations

  • Mystery shopper assignments
  • Work-from-home data entry
  • Package reshipping roles
  • Investment/financial consulting
  • Social media influencer management

⚠️ Red Flags

  • Jobs requiring upfront payment for any reason
  • Interviews conducted only via messaging apps
  • Salaries disproportionate to job requirements
  • Vague job descriptions and responsibilities
  • No physical office or legitimate company registration
  • Requests to use personal bank accounts for company transactions

Universal Prevention Tips

Essential rules to protect yourself from all types of scams

🔍 Verify Independently

Always verify through official channels using contact information you find yourself, not what's provided by the potential scammer.

⏸️ Take Your Time

Legitimate organizations never pressure you to make immediate decisions. Take time to think and consult others.

🤐 Don't Keep Secrets

Scammers often demand secrecy. Always discuss with family, friends, or authorities before taking action.

💳 Protect Financial Info

Never share banking details, passwords, or verification codes with anyone, regardless of their claimed identity.

🚫 Too Good to Be True

If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. High returns always come with high risks.

📞 Report Immediately

If you suspect a scam, report immediately to authorities. Early reporting can prevent others from becoming victims.

Need Immediate Help?

If you or someone you know is currently facing a suspicious situation