The Judiciary Police (PJ) issued a statement yesterday to warn residents of phone message scams where fraudsters send out messages posing as a consumer reward and points platform, claiming that the victims’ reward points will expire soon and can be redeemed for gifts, so as to trick victims into logging on to a fake website to obtain their personal information and credit card details.
The statement noted that the reward points platform involved is available at some retail outlets in Macau and that there have been previous cases of similar message scams in Macau, and the platform involved has issued clarifications and reminders for residents to be aware of the scam.
The Judiciary Police remind residents to check the authenticity and security of any website before visiting it, and to pay more attention to online safety tips to raise their awareness of prevention.
The statement also reminds residents not to click on links or images provided by strangers or unknown sources to prevent your mobile phone or computer system from being hacked.
The statement urged members of the public not to enter personal information, bank account or credit card details on unfamiliar websites, and do not transfer money to unknown accounts.
In addition, according to the statement, residents can install and regularly update anti-virus software and firewalls on their computers or their mobile phones, and change passwords on their computers and online accounts regularly.
In case of suspected fraud and other crimes, members of the public can call the Judiciary Police Fraud Enquiry Hotline in 8800 7777 or the Crime Reporting Hotline on 993 for assistance.
This image provided by the Judiciary Police yesterday shows their warning against phone text scams.
