Hong Kong engineer loses HK$8.5m in online romance scam
Hong Kong police received 18 reports of online romance scams in a week, with losses over HK$13m. A middle-aged engineer lost HK$8.5m to a scammer posing as a Taiwanese dancer. Police urge caution and zero transfers to strangers.
Hong Kong police have reported a surge in online romance scams, receiving at least 18 reports in the past week with total losses exceeding HK$13 million. In one case, a middle-aged engineer lost HK$8.5 million after being tricked by a scammer posing as a Taiwanese dancer.
In a post on its 'CyberDefender' anti-scam page on Monday, police said the engineer met a woman claiming to be a dancer at a private club in Taiwan through a dating app. They communicated frequently on WhatsApp, and he gradually developed feelings for her.
A scammer posing as the dancer's 'manager' then intervened, repeatedly persuading the victim to transfer money under various pretexts, including buying 'popularity votes' for a dance exam, club membership fees, asset checks, and meeting arrangements. The scammer claimed the victim would not be allowed to meet the dancer otherwise.
Within half a month, the victim transferred more than HK$8.5 million in total to 17 bank accounts designated by the scammers. The 'manager' then demanded an additional 'administrative fee,' but the victim had no money left, and the scammers went silent, prompting him to realise he had been scammed.
Police urged the public not to fully trust netizens they have never met. They advised that anyone who has never met in person and communicates only through text or video should have zero tolerance and make zero transfers when money is requested. They should not disclose personal information, and should seek advice from trusted relatives and friends if in doubt. Suspected cases can be reported via the Anti-Scam Helpline 18222 or the Scameter website or app, and police should be called in emergencies.