In response to a wave of scams targeting mainland Chinese students, Hong Kong and mainland authorities are intensifying measures to safeguard these students as they commence their studies in the city. Recent reports indicate that Hong Kong university students have suffered substantial financial losses, amounting to approximately HK$75 million (US$9.6 million) due to fraudulent schemes.

According to South China Morning Post, the University of Hong Kong (HKU) has implemented a mandatory anti-scam quiz, primarily for mainland students, as part of its efforts to raise awareness about common fraudulent tactics. Reports show that the average monthly cases of students falling victim to scams spiked significantly from 24 last year to 91 in October alone. Lawmakers have also expressed concern over the vulnerabilities faced by these students, who often lack familiarity with local laws and may encounter language barriers.

Some lawmakers, including Johnny Ng Kit-chong, have proposed that students take the anti-scam questionnaire before their visas are issued to increase their awareness of the dangers posed by scammers. Ng emphasized the need for these measures given the evolving nature of scams, stating, “Victims are gatekeepers. If their awareness is high, the chances of being scammed will be lower.” This suggestion comes after HKU reported that more than 60 students had been victimized recently, losing upwards of HK$60 million. Similarly, City University of Hong Kong (CityU) noted over 30 scam cases that totaled approximately HK$15 million.

Universities have adopted various initiatives aimed at educating students on fraud prevention. HKU and Polytechnic University (PolyU) have both instituted quizzes and training sessions designed to inform students about different types of scams—such as those involving telephone calls and online transactions. A PolyU spokesman noted that these training efforts have led to a decline in scam incidents on campus, promoting collaboration between educational institutions and law enforcement.

Further, the Hong Kong police's Anti-Deception Coordination Centre recently introduced an online learning kit for universities to help students understand the unique risks they could face. As of January, over 4,000 students had engaged with this material. Lawmaker Chow Man-kong suggested that educational institutions consider setting up dedicated hotlines for students to report suspected scams, reinforcing the importance of vigilance in protecting themselves from fraud.

The increasing number of scams targeting mainland students has prompted urgent action. With stories of serious losses—like an HKU student defrauded of HK$9.2 million—highlighting the dangers, local authorities are seeking a cooperative approach to enhance protective measures against scams. Through these initiatives, they aim to foster a safer environment for all students, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary knowledge to avoid falling victim to potential fraudsters.

For more details, read the full article on South China Morning Post.