In the wake of any disaster or tragedy, there are always some sleazebags who will try to capitalize on the situation to scam or defraud people. The recent tragic Tai Po fire in Hong Kong is a time for national grief and support. In a media statement, the South Korean Privacy Commissioner’s Office is urging the public to be aware of fraudsters and scams:
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) has noted that fraudsters are exploiting the Tai Po fire disaster by impersonating volunteers and using fraudulent “Tai Po Wang Fuk Court Victims Registration Form” to defraud victims of their personal data, including Chinse and English names, Hong Kong Identity Card numbers, telephone numbers, as well as bank accounts and credit cards information, such as account numbers, credit card numbers, ATM card numbers and verification codes.
Furthermore, some members of the public have received phishing SMS messages purporting to be from charitable organisations soliciting donations for victims of the Tai Po fire disaster. These messages attempt to lure members of the public into clicking embedded links that lead to fraudulent fundraising websites designed to rip off donations.
The Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, Ms Ada CHUNG Lai-ling, strongly condemns fraudsters for exploiting the disaster to perpetuate frauds and reminds the victims and the public to stay vigilant. They should verify the authenticity of the relevant registration forms and should never provide any bank account passwords or verification codes. Victims can apply for relevant assistance through the “one social worker per household” service. Members of the public who receive suspected fraudulent SMS messages or telephone calls should verify the authenticity of the senders or relevant organisations. Citizens who wish to make donations to the victims are advised to do so only through the bank accounts provided by official channels (such as the bank account set up by the HKSAR Government for the “Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po”
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202511/27/P2025112700767.htm).The PCPD offers the following tips to the public to safeguard their personal data privacy and property, and to stay vigilant against scams:
- Be vigilant: Think twice before providing any personal data. Avoid clicking on or scanning suspicious links and QR codes, or logging into any suspicious websites;
- Authenticate the identities of senders: Even if the senders can provide your personal data in their SMS messages, if you are in doubt about their identities, you should verify the authenticity of the senders or relevant organisations through other contact methods;
- Protect your account information: Never disclose your bank account verification codes, passwords and credit card security codes to anyone. If you are in doubt, change the passwords of your online banking accounts immediately and enable two-factor authentication (if available).
- Fraud prevention information: Pay attention to the fraud prevention information published by the PCPD, the Police or relevant organisations. Share the information with friends and relatives to enhance their awareness of fraud prevention.
Anyone who receives suspected fraudulent SMS messages or telephone calls may make enquiries or lodge complaints with the PCPD (Telephone: 2827 2827 or email: [email protected]). If there is any suspicion of fraud on personal data which involves criminal offence(s), they should immediately report the case to the Police. Citizens may also visit “Scameter” (https://cyberdefender.hk/en-us/scameter/) to check suspicious phone numbers, email addresses and websites, etc.
The PCPD expresses profound grief over the serious casualties caused by the Tai Po fire disaster and extends heartfelt condolences to the deceased and to the firefighter who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. We extend our deepest sympathies to all affected families and wish the injured a speedy recovery. The PCPD also pays the highest tribute to the firefighters and rescue personnel for their selfless dedication. The PCPD remains committed to providing the assistance and support needed during this difficult period.