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What's New - Reaching Out to the Community－ Privacy Commissioner Interviewed by Media to Urge Caution against Fake Neighbour Scams
Date: 20 May 2025
During the interviews, the Privacy Commissioner noted the emergence of a new type of fraudulent trick, in which residents in different housing estates across Hong Kong have received SMS messages purporting to be from their neighbours, complaining about issues such as water seepage or noise, and asking the residents to contact them via instant messaging applications. The affected districts include Tai Wai, Ma On Shan, Tsim Sha Tsui, etc. Her Office (PCPD) has received six related enquiries and complaints since March 2025.
The Privacy Commissioner pointed out that fraudsters might obtain individuals’ telephone numbers through different channels and reminded the public that in general, estate management offices would not disclose personal data of the residents to third parties. She advised members of the public to contact their estate management offices to make enquiries or seek verification if they receive any suspicious SMS messages, and they should avoid disclosing personal data to others arbitrarily. She also invited the public to make enquiries or lodge complaints with the PCPD (“Personal Data Fraud Prevention Hotline”: 3423 6611 or email: communications@pcpd.org.hk).
The interview by RTHK Radio 1’s “HK2000” can be listened here (Chinese only).
The interview by Now News’ “News Magazine” can be viewed here (Chinese only).
Reaching Out to the Community－ Privacy Commissioner Interviewed by Media to Urge Caution against Fake Neighbour Scams
The Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (Privacy Commissioner), Ms Ada CHUNG Lai-ling, was interviewed by RTHK Radio 1’s “HK2000”, CRHK’s “On a Clear Day” and Now News’ “News Magazine” on 20 May. She appealed to members of the public to be cautious of fake neighbour scams and shared anti-fraud tips to raise their awareness.During the interviews, the Privacy Commissioner noted the emergence of a new type of fraudulent trick, in which residents in different housing estates across Hong Kong have received SMS messages purporting to be from their neighbours, complaining about issues such as water seepage or noise, and asking the residents to contact them via instant messaging applications. The affected districts include Tai Wai, Ma On Shan, Tsim Sha Tsui, etc. Her Office (PCPD) has received six related enquiries and complaints since March 2025.
The Privacy Commissioner pointed out that fraudsters might obtain individuals’ telephone numbers through different channels and reminded the public that in general, estate management offices would not disclose personal data of the residents to third parties. She advised members of the public to contact their estate management offices to make enquiries or seek verification if they receive any suspicious SMS messages, and they should avoid disclosing personal data to others arbitrarily. She also invited the public to make enquiries or lodge complaints with the PCPD (“Personal Data Fraud Prevention Hotline”: 3423 6611 or email: communications@pcpd.org.hk).
The interview by RTHK Radio 1’s “HK2000” can be listened here (Chinese only).
The interview by Now News’ “News Magazine” can be viewed here (Chinese only).
The Privacy Commissioner, Ms Ada CHUNG Lai-ling (left), was interviewed by Now News’ “News Magazine”.
The Privacy Commissioner, Ms Ada CHUNG Lai-ling was interviewed by Now News’ “News Magazine”.