Hong Kong Police Report Nearly HK$7.8 Million in Online Romance Scams Over Past Week
The South China Morning Post reports that police have documented at least 18 online romance scams in the past week, resulting in total losses approaching HK$7.8 million, including one case where a retired woman lost nearly HK$2.9 million.
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According to the CyberDefender social media page of the police, there have been at least 18 instances of online romance scams reported within the last week, with the cumulative losses nearing HK$7.8 million.
One specific case detailed by the South China Morning Post involved a 71-year-old retiree in Hong Kong who lost close to HK$2.9 million, which is equivalent to US$369,670. This loss occurred after a fraudster, who pretended to be an employee of a power company, successfully gained the retiree's confidence and subsequently led her into a fraudulent investment scheme.
The retiree initially connected with the man on Facebook, who claimed to be employed by a power company. The two individuals cultivated an online romantic relationship over time, although they never met face-to-face.
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