Hong Kong lawmaker Gary Chan Hak-kan has been impersonated in a scam that defrauded a victim of HK$38,000 (US$4,850), with the legislator calling the crime despicable.
Police said on Wednesday they received a report from a woman the previous day, stating she had received a call from a man pretending to be another person who persuaded her to send money under false pretences.
The woman transferred HK$38,000 to an account specified by the caller but subsequently lost contact with him, prompting her to lodge the report, according to the force.
The case has been classified as obtaining property by deception and is being investigated by the anti-deception team at the force’s New Territories South regional headquarters.
Chan said on social media that scammers impersonating him had contacted residents and tried to trick them into transferring money.
“This scam is egregious. The scammers exploited the public’s trust in Legislative Council members to commit fraud, causing financial losses to residents and damaging social trust and community harmony. I strongly condemn such despicable acts,” he said.
Chan added that he and his team would never ask residents to make a payment, assist with financial matters or provide any sensitive information such as bank account passwords.
“In addition, I urge police to pay close attention to such fraud cases involving impersonation of public officials, strengthen investigation efforts, severely crack down on criminals, eliminate fraud cases from the source and effectively protect the property safety of residents,” he said.
Under the Theft Ordinance, obtaining property by deception is punishable by up to 10 years’ imprisonment. -- SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
