China: Safety Measures in Hong Kong (Beware of Scams and Theft)

•In the first half of 2024, 44% of reported crimes in Hong Kong involved fraud, with notable cases targeting Japanese companies through wire transfer scams, online fraud, and investment scams. If you inadvertently make a payment, report it immediately to the police and request the recipient bank to freeze the account.

•Credit card information theft is also common. Please regularly review your credit card statements to ensure there are no unauthorized charges.

•Incidents of valuables being stolen from carry-on baggage aboard flights to Hong Kong have been on the rise. Keep valuables in your sight and avoid placing them in overhead compartments.

1. Overview of Crime Rates

Although Hong Kong is relatively safe on a global scale, its crime rate has risen in recent years, primarily due to an increase in fraud cases. According to police statistics, there were 45,315 reported crimes in the first half of 2024, of which 19,897 (44%) were fraud-related, and 11,529 (25%) involved theft, including pickpocketing and snatch-and-grab incidents. In light of these trends, here is a summary of key safety precautions to avoid becoming a victim of crime.

2. Fraud Incidents

Police statistics show that fraud accounts for nearly 40% of all reported crimes, including wire transfer scams targeting Japanese companies in Hong Kong since around April 2021, as well as online and investment scams. To protect yourself from fraud, please take note of the following:

•Before transferring money in response to a request by phone or email, consult a third party, such as family, company staff, the consulate, or the Hong Kong Police’s 24-hour Anti-Fraud Hotline (18222).

•Contact the person or department directly using their known contact details to verify any transfer requests (avoid calling unknown numbers).

•Beware of new tactics, including scammers posing as customer service representatives from telecommunications companies or as lawyers claiming to help recover scam-related losses.

•Encourage those around you, including family and coworkers, to be vigilant and increase their awareness of fraud.

•If you suspect you may have been a victim of fraud, immediately consult the police, file a report, and inform both the sending and recipient banks. If the recipient account is in Hong Kong, prompt action is essential to request a freeze. Collect evidence and visit the police to file a report, obtain a police statement, and take it to the bank to request an account freeze.

3. Credit Card Information Theft

Hong Kong-issued credit card data is reportedly one of the most commonly sold on the dark web, following the United States and Australia. To protect against credit card information theft:

•Use only reputable online shops, and ensure transactions are made on encrypted “https” websites.

•Avoid logging into online banking or entering credit card details from shared computers or on public Wi-Fi, and never enter card details or security codes on unfamiliar websites.

•Be wary of phishing sites and emails; avoid clicking on suspicious email attachments or links.

•Check your credit card statements regularly and report any suspicious charges to the card issuer.

•Protect your personal data, including credit card information, and do not share one-time passwords required for online transactions with anyone.

4. In-Flight Theft

While theft incidents increased only 3.9% in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, reports indicate a 164% rise in in-flight theft on Hong Kong-bound flights, with 132 incidents between January and August 2024. Keep your valuables within sight and avoid storing items like wallets, watches, and jewelry in overhead compartments.

5. Pickpocketing and Snatch-and-Grab Theft

Pickpocketing and snatch-and-grab theft can happen to anyone, so please observe the following precautions:

•Carry bags on the building side of the sidewalk, not the street side, and wear shoulder bags across your body.

•Walk in well-lit, populated areas at night and be alert if you hear a motorbike approaching from behind.

•Avoid using smartphones, listening to music, or other activities that reduce awareness of your surroundings while walking.

•Practice good personal management of your belongings, especially in public places and on public transport.