Police investigating travel agency and dog meat scams: Raymond Siu
Police Commissioner Raymond Siu Chak-yee announced on Saturday that the police are currently investigating the rise in false social media pages claiming to be the travel agency EGL Tours. Additionally, there are pages that have stolen citizens’ personal data by posing as sellers of dog meat. Siu revealed that EGL Tours received over 20,000 inquiries regarding the fake pages on Facebook, which offered hotel and buffet packages at unreasonable prices. In response, EGL plans to send a lawyer’s letter to Facebook and its parent company Meta and will host a press conference next Tuesday.
Highlighting the severity of the situation, Siu urged citizens to make use of the police’s anti-scam hotline and scameter to protect themselves from falling victim to these deceptive offers. Siu further mentioned that in the first nine months of 2023, a total of 29,650 scams occurred, resulting in losses amounting to nearly HK$5 billion. This number accounts for around 44 percent of the overall crime figure, representing a significant 51 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
Recognizing the need for action, Siu confirmed that the police met with representatives from 28 banks in April to coordinate five major measures. One of these measures is the establishment of the Anti-Deception Alliance. Starting from Monday, employees from ten major banks will be assigned to work alongside officers of the Anti-Deception Coordination Centre. This collaboration aims to provide real-time assistance to police officers in tackling fraudulent activities.
In terms of security arrangements for the upcoming District Councils election on December 10, Siu assured the public that at least two police officers will be stationed at each polling station. Strategic areas will be patrolled by officers in high-profile visibility, while plain-clothes officers will conduct stop-and-search operations on individuals displaying suspicious behavior. Each police district will mobilize the Quick Reaction Force to swiftly respond to any unforeseen events.
To effectively address these issues, Siu emphasized the importance of cooperation between the police force and the community. He encouraged citizens to not only stay vigilant but also report any suspicious activities promptly.
With the increasing prevalence of scams, it is crucial for the public to exercise caution and be aware of potential fraudulent schemes. By utilizing the available resources provided by the police, individuals can protect themselves against falling victim to these scams. The police’s anti-scam hotline and scameter are valuable tools to combat the rising threat posed by fraudulent activities.
As efforts continue to combat scams and protect the community, the police are working closely with banks and introducing measures to enhance response capabilities. By establishing the Anti-Deception Alliance and deploying bank employees to collaborate with officers, law enforcement aims to stay one step ahead of scammers.
In preparation for the District Councils election, the police force is taking proactive measures to ensure the safety and security of the voting process. The presence of officers at polling stations, supplemented by patrols and plain-clothes operations, aims to deter and identify potential disruptions.
As Hong Kong faces a surge in scams, the police force and citizens must work hand in hand to address this pressing issue. Through increased awareness, vigilance, and cooperation, individuals can minimize the risk of becoming victims of scams and contribute to a safer community.
