Police arrested eight people after raiding a suspected telephone-scam centre in a rented residential unit in Mong Kok on September 29. A 25-year-old man described by police as the alleged ringleader was arrested later in Lok Ma Chau. All eight were detained on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud.
Police said the centre began operating on September 28 and was dismantled less than two days later. Callers allegedly used purchased telephone cards and scripts to pose as customer-service staff from payment platforms, telling recipients that they had activated an insurance service and needed to pay a renewal fee.
People who denied buying the service were allegedly transferred to callers posing as bank employees in another location. The second group then tried to persuade them to transfer money.
Police found that the group had made more than 400 local scam calls. Officers seized mobile phones and telephone cards and found suspected fake customer-service scripts, while the number of victims and the amount involved were still being checked. The case was due to appear before West Kowloon Magistrates' Court on October 2.
Police advised people to be especially alert if callers requested money transfers or bank passwords. Anyone with doubts should contact the organisation through an official channel, check the call or link with Scameter, or call the Anti-Deception Hotline on 18222.