Kwun Tong Police District arrested a 17-year-old local man on 24 September on suspicion of obtaining property by deception, after two telephone scam cases were reported in July. Police said the victims, aged 74 and 89, lost about HK$410,000 combined, and that the teenager was responsible for collecting the cash.
Callers pretended to be relatives or friends who had been detained over a criminal case and urgently needed bail money. A supposed friend then arranged to collect the cash. The two victims withdrew money and handed it over in Lei Yue Mun before contacting their relatives and discovering the deception.
Police said investigators identified the alleged cash collector through intelligence analysis and extensive closed-circuit television footage. Residents, particularly older people, were urged not to trust suspicious calls and to contact the Anti-Scam Helpline 18222 if they have doubts.