Beware of fake "neighbour" scams
發佈日期: 2025-05-19 20:06
TVB News
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, or PCPD, warned of the emergence of a new type of fraudulent trick, in which residents receive SMS messages claiming to be from neighbours asking for their contact details.
The watchdog said it received six complaints and enquiries since March, involving different housing estates in Kowloon and the New Territories. Subsequent checks by estate management offices confirmed the messages to be fake.
Scams come in many different disguises. Some Ma On Shan residents said they recently received phishing SMS messages, in which scammers claim to be neighbours living downstairs complaining about issues such as water seepage. They even asked targets to contact them for further discussion.
This resident said he would not be deceived once the conversation turned to money. While this woman said she could just consult estate management to check if the person was really a resident.
Anna Law, District Councillor of Sha Tin, said nearly 20 enquiries emerged from some estates in Ma On Shan. But it is just the tip of the iceberg.
PCPD said once the dialogue begins, the scammers would pretend to be interested in developing a relationship with the victims, or use other tactics to gain their trust, ultimately aiming to swindle money or personal data out of them.
Culprits may also trick the victims into clicking on suspicious hyperlinks that would lead to fraudulent websites designed to obtain victims' personal data.
The data protection body reminded residents to think twice before providing any personal information and seek clarification with estate management offices if receiving suspicious messages or calls.
