Staff of Multiple Schools Scammed by Bogus Principals
2025-02-28
[Alert for Schools and Janitors!]
In February, more than 10 fraud cases targeting school staff (e.g. janitors) were recorded in Hong Kong. The schools involved were located across the territory. Most of the victims were over 50 years old, with an enthusiastic one even defrauded of $130,000.
Pretending to be principals or school staff, scammers called school offices and asked for janitors to help them pick up packages. Most staff members of the school offices, not giving much thought to the calls, asked the janitors to answer them.
The victims followed instructions and went to MTR stations, Light Rail platforms or banks, etc. before receiving calls from scammers who asked them to make advance payments of delivery fees by transferring money to designated accounts at banks or with automated teller machines. If the victims indicated that they had no money, the scammers would instruct them to overdraw their credit cards and then make transfers.
Caution! By contacting the janitors via school offices, the scammers made them believe that the callers were principals or school staff. In the scams, a number of janitors made transfers without seeking confirmation with the schools.
Our Advice
Schools should stay alert and remind their employees not to hastily believe the identities of callers;
When receiving suspicious phone calls, school office staff should mark down the calling numbers and report to the school management immediately;
Under no circumstances will schools ask janitors to make advance payments or transfers to personal accounts. If you receive similar instructions, stay calm and verify with your school immediately;
Scammers may take advantage of the enthusiasm of janitors. Senior janitors may not be familiar with defrauding tricks. Therefore, schools should remind them to be vigilant and provide them with clear anti-fraud guidelines;
If in doubt, please call the “Anti-Scam Helpline 18222” for enquiries.
