Scam in Hong KongOther tricks
Suspicious phone calls in Hong Kong
How it works
You receive a phone call that you suspect is a scam.
Warning signs
- The caller pressures you to act immediately.
- The caller asks for passwords, verification codes or an unexpected payment.
How to avoid it
- End the call if you feel pressured.
- Do not share passwords or verification codes.
- Check the caller's claim through contact details you find independently.
- Call 18222 within Hong Kong for advice about suspected scam calls.
If it happens to you
Stop contact and save the caller's number and any messages. If you shared payment details or sent money, contact your bank immediately. Call 18222 within Hong Kong for advice.
- Move to a safe place. If you face an immediate threat or need urgent police, fire or ambulance help, call 999.
- Stop further losses. Freeze missing cards and contact your bank or card issuer immediately if money or payment details are involved.
- Save evidence. Keep receipts, messages, screenshots, phone numbers and a short record of what happened.
- Report the incident. Contact the police for theft or fraud, or the Transport Complaints Unit for a taxi complaint.
- Contact your insurer if you may need to claim. If your passport is missing, contact your embassy or consulate for replacement help.
- Watch for further suspicious contact. Do not pay anyone who unexpectedly promises to recover your money.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Government advice2020Phone scam alert issuedThe Immigration Department reports recorded calls threatening immigration restrictions before transferring recipients to impostors requesting personal and banking information.Read on Government advice
- Government advice2025Office of the Communications Authority - Reminder to Members of the Public on Fraudulent Phone Calls and Scam Emails Purporting to be Made or Sent by the CA or OFCA (Updated on 22 September 2025)OFCA reports impersonation calls alleging overdue charges, threatened service suspension or illegal activity, sometimes using falsified Hong Kong caller IDs.Read on Government advice
- Government adviceOffice of the Communications Authority - Be a Smart User of Communication Services Stay Vigilant against Fraudulent CallsOFCA describes fraudsters spoofing local telephone numbers to impersonate authorities and explains alerts used to flag suspicious incoming calls.Read on Government advice
Questions
What is the suspicious phone calls scam in Hong Kong?
You receive a phone call that you suspect is a scam.
How can I spot it early?
The caller pressures you to act immediately. The caller asks for passwords, verification codes or an unexpected payment.
How do I avoid suspicious phone calls in Hong Kong?
End the call if you feel pressured. Do not share passwords or verification codes. Check the caller's claim through contact details you find independently. Call 18222 within Hong Kong for advice about suspected scam calls.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Stop contact and save the caller's number and any messages. If you shared payment details or sent money, contact your bank immediately. Call 18222 within Hong Kong for advice.
How common is this scam in Hong Kong?
Occasional. Hong Kong is generally very safe, and petty crime happens from time to time. Visitors should watch for taxi overcharging, pickpockets in crowds and suspicious phone calls.
Who can I report it to?
Hong Kong Police Force: call 999 for urgent help. For non-emergency assistance, call +852-2527-7177 or visit a police station or reporting centre. English-speaking interpreters are available. Transport Complaints Unit: call +852-2889-9999 or use its online complaint form. Include the taxi driver's name, licence plate number, journey details and receipt if available. Suspected scam-call advice hotline: call 18222 within Hong Kong for advice about suspected scam calls. Police hotline serving Japanese travellers: call +852-2529-0000. Your bank or card issuer: use its official app or a trusted contact number. Ask it to block affected cards, secure your account and explain your options for disputing payments. Your embassy or consulate: contact it through its official contact details if your passport is lost or stolen. Your travel insurer: use the claims contact in your policy. Keep receipts, evidence and any police report details.
What number do I call in an emergency in Hong Kong?
Police, fire and ambulance: 999, Emergency SMS for deaf people or people with speech impairments; prior registration at a police station required: 992, Fire Services Department: fire or medical emergencies if 999 is down: +852-2723-2233, Hong Kong St. John Ambulance: backup ambulance contact if 999 is down; arrival may take longer: +852-1878-000.
Reviewed by @snuck