HONG KONG, November 22 — Hong Kong police have apprehended a 49-year-old mainland Chinese man accused of orchestrating a brazen phone scam targeting the elderly, specifically focusing on the widely used “impersonation of a son” tactic to secure bogus bail money. The arrest came four days after an 86-year-old victim came forward, revealing how rapid mobilization of friends and family thwarted the fraud.
The investigation began last Monday, November 17, when the elderly man reported receiving a distressing phone call. The caller, falsely claiming to be the victim’s son, asserted he had been detained by police and urgently required funds for immediate release, disguised as a “bail payment.” Recognizing the unusual nature of the request, the victim wisely consulted with relatives, who quickly confirmed the situation was entirely fabricated. He then immediately contacted law enforcement.
Following up on leads, officers from the Kwai Tsing District Crime Squad 1 executed an operation on Thursday, November 21, leading to the suspect’s arrest around 2 p.m. The man was taken into custody at a virtual currency exchange located in Tsim Sha Tsui.
The suspect faces charges of obtaining property by deception, a serious offense under Section 17 of the Theft Ordinance (Cap. 210) of Hong Kong law, which carries a maximum penalty of ten years imprisonment. He is currently being detained pending further investigation.
Cash Seized Hints at Wider Deception
Crucially, upon apprehension, authorities discovered HK$80,000 in cash on the suspect’s person. Police believe this money is the proceeds of a separate, similar phone scam that has not yet been formally reported. This suggests the arrested individual may be linked to a broader network or multiple instances of deceit.
Police emphasized the need for community vigilance, urging anyone whose family or friends may have been targeted for similar amounts on the same day to contact them immediately.
“We are highly concerned about the proliferation of telephone fraud,” a police spokesperson stated on Thursday, appealing to the public, particularly those with vulnerable elderly relatives.
Key Scams and Prevention Advice:
The authorities reinforced several critical messages aimed at preventing similar financial exploitation:
- Verify Identity: Any caller claiming to be a relative with a new phone number who then requests money or a loan should be treated with extreme suspicion. This is a common hallmark of deception.
- Official Verification: If a caller mentions the need for bail funds, citizens should directly contact the relevant police station to verify the details. No legitimate police action requires private citizens to pay bail to unassigned individuals.
- Protect the Elderly: Family members must actively engage with senior citizens, sharing anti-deception information and looking out for signs of manipulation to prevent them from becoming targets.
The police also reminded the public that the Anti-Deception Hotline (18222) remains operational for consultations regarding any suspicious calls or activities.
The successful apprehension underscores law enforcement’s commitment to tackling sophisticated financial crimes that often prey on the trust and good nature of the community’s oldest members. The investigation remains ongoing as police seek to determine if the arrested man acted alone or as part of a larger syndicate.
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