Married Hong Kong woman seeks repayment of HK$333,650 she paid into five bank accounts to receive gift package from ‘American pilot’ she met on Facebook

A married Hong Kong woman says she fell victim to scammers after paying more than HK$333,500 (US$42,300) demanded by a company employee to deliver a package of valuable gifts from an “American pilot” she met on Facebook.

Cheng Shuk-ying said in a writ filed to the District Court that she had followed a company employee’s instructions to pay fines, hire security guards and settle taxes imposed by Hong Kong customs to facilitate the delivery – until she realised it had all been a scam.