Exploiting Tragedy: Scammers Impersonate Mainland Authorities After Deadly Hong Kong Blaze

HONG KONG — Sophisticated phone scammers are capitalizing on the recent deadly fifth-alarm fire at Hong Kong’s Tai Po Wonderland Garden, impersonating mainland Chinese government and law enforcement officials in an elaborate scheme to steal personal data and money. Following the tragic blaze that reportedly killed over a hundred people, these criminals are falsely accusing residents of offenses related to the disaster, demanding compliance under threat of legal action.

A journalist from a local newspaper received a call earlier this week from an individual claiming to be an officer with the Guangzhou Fire Headquarters. The caller demonstrated alarming accuracy by reciting the journalist’s full name and Hong Kong identity card number, adopting a serious and highly assertive tone that lent a startling air of authenticity to the encounter. The impersonator then leveled a specific, fabricated charge: illicitly soliciting donations in mainland China via social media using the Tai Po fire as pretext.

The Anatomy of a Scam

The caller, speaking fluent Mandarin, initially claimed the journalist’s mainland cell phone number had been flagged for sending fraudulent text messages to Guangzhou residents seeking donations related to the Hong Kong fire. When the journalist countered that they did not possess a mainland phone number or travel documents, the scammer immediately shifted tactics.

Instead of conceding, the fake official stressed that the lack of travel to the mainland was “irrelevant” and insisted the journalist cooperate immediately, suggesting that the matter carried severe consequences. The scammer attempted to project concern, speculating that organized criminal syndicates might have illicitly used stolen personal information to register mainland phone numbers under the journalist’s name, subtly pushing the victim toward admitting potential identity theft.

“We cannot guarantee that your identity documents haven’t been stolen by other criminal groups to carry out more illegal activities,” the caller reportedly claimed, maintaining a composed demeanor.

The scammers employed several high-pressure techniques commonly associated with “impersonation of authority” fraud:

• Data Vulnerability: Immediately providing accurate personal identifiers (name, ID number) to establish credibility.
• Feigned Legality: Encouraging the victim to independently verify the official phone number of the Guangzhou Fire Headquarters, banking on the sophisticated technology used to spoof official telephone lines.
• The “No Money” Ploy: Explicitly stating they were not asking for money at that moment, attempting to distinguish themselves from typical quick-cash scams and build trust.

When the journalist challenged the caller, threatening widespread media exposure, the alleged fire official became less aggressive, eventually suggesting they could only notify the mainland’s Anti-Fraud Center concerning the “situation beyond their jurisdiction.” This maneuvering is designed to guide victims toward revealing banking details or agreeing to transfer funds under the guise of an ongoing official investigation.

Police Issue Urgent Public Warning

This sophisticated fraud mirrors warnings issued by the Hong Kong Police Force concerning recent scams where criminals impersonate mainland public security officers or Hong Kong government personnel. The underlying threat remains the same: victims are accused of illegal online activity, such as “unlawfully raising funds” or “spreading false information” about the Tai Po fire, and commanded to present themselves in mainland China for investigation.

Authorities are reiterating critical public safety advice:

• Hang Up Immediately: If a caller claims to be a mainland “Public Security” (公安) officer, terminate the call immediately.
• Beware of Prefixes: Remain highly vigilant regarding calls displaying the international prefix “+86,” which indicates an overseas origin often used by scammers.
• No Remote Investigation: Mainland officials or law enforcement agencies will never call Hong Kong residents to conduct official business, demand cross-border travel for investigation, or request online banking passwords or fund transfers to designated accounts.

Any resident who suspects they have received a fraudulent call or has fallen victim to such a scam should immediately contact the Anti-Deception Coordination Centre hotline at 18222 for advice.