Love scammers have taken advantage of twenty Hongkongers, resulting in more than HK$12 million in losses in just one week. The police issued a warning to the public about the dangers of online romance scams, where fraudsters manipulate emotions to deceive victims in various ways.
Despite the embarrassment, only 20 cases were reported, with losses exceeding HK$12 million. The police emphasized caution when engaging with strangers online, especially involving financial transactions. In an unexpected twist, recent data shows that men make up 35% of romance scam victims in August.
Moreover, a fraud syndicate was busted on September 16, leading to the arrest of 11 individuals who swindled 99 men out of more than HK$20 million over nine months. This included professionals like doctors, engineers, and teachers. The alarming rise in romance scams underscores the importance of staying vigilant and verifying the authenticity of online acquaintances.