Authorities warn of new phishing scams

Residents are being warned to remain vigilant against a series of new scams targeting personal and financial information.

The Public Administration and Civil Service Bureau (SAFP) has discovered that scammers are sending phishing text messages that impersonate government agencies and ask victims to login to fake websites and provide personal details.

Separately, the Judiciary Police (PJ) has issued two warnings about other ongoing scams. One involves fraudsters sending text messages claiming to be from the “Macao One Account” government service and asking people to click a link to verify their identity, which then steals credit card information.

Another scam features fake online loan advertisements falsely claiming the government is offering interest-free emergency loans to those over 45. Clicking the link takes victims to pages with unknown loan offers that may lead to phishing sites.

The Anti-Fraud Coordination Center urges citizens not to click on unknown links or disclose financial or personal identification details that could enable fraud. Those with doubts can check website risks using the police’s “anti-fraud program” or contact the fraud hotline on 8800 7777, as well as the general hotline on 993.

Authorities said residents should only apply for loans through licensed banking institutions. The government encourages vigilance, as well as the immediate reporting of any suspected scams, so as to prevent theft of personal information. VC