Kwun Tong police arrest man for HK$200,000 elderly phone scam

Police in Kwun Tong have arrested a 56-year-old local man in connection with two “guess who I am” phone scams targeting elderly residents. The victims, aged 74 and 88, lost a combined total of over HK$200,000.

In these incidents, scammers impersonated family members claiming to be in police custody and required bail money. The suspects then posed as friends of the family to collect the funds during face-to-face meetings in Kwun Tong’s industrial area. The suspect, who identified himself as a renovation worker, was apprehended after police utilized CCTV footage from the “Sharp Eye” program.

In light of rising fraud, discussions have emerged regarding protective measures for seniors. One recommended tool is the Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s “Money Safe” service, which allows account holders to lock idle funds in a virtual safe, preventing unauthorized transfers without strict facial recognition verification.