Scam prevention｜The Hong Kong Association of Banks holds an anti-scam campaign. Lin Dingguo: Actively following up on legislation against cybercrime

The Hong Kong Association of Banks will jointly hold a territory-wide anti-scam education campaign launch ceremony with officials from the Hong Kong government and representatives from multiple sectors. This year’s theme is “Tell the fraudsters’ tricks apart” and “See what’s in your own wallet.” Secretary for Justice Lam Ding-kuok said that some current legal provisions are already outdated, so the Law Reform Commission released a report titled “Issues Relating to Offences Relating to Computer Networks and Jurisdiction” on January 9 this year, recommending the introduction of an entirely new set of specific legislation to specifically regulate offences that rely on computer networks. The government will actively support and follow up on the relevant recommendations.

The Association said that in recent years, many scams have involved the use of fake websites, AI deepfake technology, and more, with many fraudsters operating from outside Hong Kong. This year, it will promote anti-scam messages through a diversified format of activities, including launching an online game, setting up booths at book fairs, and holding talks for seniors and students.

Eddie Yue Wai-man, Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, said he has instructed the banking sector to enhance its industry capabilities to detect suspicious transactions, promote communication within the industry and with the police, strengthen risk alerts to customers, and enhance anti-scam awareness, including further strengthening protection on industry information-sharing platforms.

Lam Ding-kuok said the government will apply for sentence reviews for scams involving “errand-runs” and “front persons” where the penalties imposed are too lenient. He said, “Many victims have received higher education, even including professionals. Many criminal methods are just old schemes in new bottles, and everyone must never overestimate themselves.” He also reminded, “Remember the proverb ‘A bachelor teaches his child—don’t be greedy for a bargain.’ People also say, ‘How could there be such a big toad hopping around the street?’”