Elderly loses MOP250,000 in phone scam

A 23-year-old Hong Kong man has been arrested for allegedly participating in a scam ring that swindled an elderly resident out of MOP250,000. This incident marks another of the “Guess Who I Am” phone scams, which prey mostly on vulnerable senior residents.

According to the Judiciary Police (PJ), the victim was contacted by the scammer Oct. 8. The impersonator requested MOP250,000 related to a serious accident that had occurred involving his son. After withdrawing the money, the victim handed it over to the man who falsely claimed to be a lawyer. The victim later verified the facts with his son and realized he had been tricked.

Officers intercepted the suspect at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge checkpoint while he was attempting to flee Macau. The suspect was uncooperative during questioning, but police managed to seize over MOP10,500 in cash believed to be part of the proceeds of the crime. Investigators suspect that the remaining funds were transferred to other members of the group.

Authorities are increasingly concerned about the rising number of scams targeting seniors. Fraudsters often exploit familial bonds to manipulate their victims. Police urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious calls immediately.

As investigations continue, law enforcement authorities remarked to be working to identify additional members of this network. NS