In the past few months, there has been a significant increase in telephone scam cases involving scammer impersonating university staff, resulting in many students falling victim and suffering financial losses. Scammers typically practise deception through the following steps:

• Scammers typically contact students via phone calls or messaging apps (e.g. WeChat / WhatsApp), pretending to be academic or administrative staff from the University.
• They use different excuses, such as "needing money to purchase teaching materials" or "urgently requiring money," to ask students to transfer funds to designated accounts.
• In some cases, scammers hack staff members’ messaging apps or social media accounts to send false messages.

We strongly urge all students to remain vigilant and not to easily trust such calls or messages. If someone claiming to be University staff requesting financial assistance via phone or messaging app, this is highly suspicious and unusual. In the event that you receive those messages, please verify their identity in person whenever possible. Alternatively, please report the incident to the relevant department and inform the Student Affairs Office Non-local Student Support Team via email: antiscam@eduhk.hk or by phone: 2948 6248 for assistance.

Important Reminders:

• NEVER disclose personal details, bank information, or transfer money to an unsolicited caller.
• In doubt, please call the "Anti-Scam Helpline 18222" from Hong Kong Police Force for enquiries.
• If you feel stressed or worried due to a scam or deception case, our counselors are here to support you. You can schedule an appointment to speak with them by visiting our website.