In a recent surge of online investment scams, the Judiciary Police (PJ) have discovered a new scheme involving fraudulent advertisements on social media platforms that endorse certain investment platforms which promise substantial returns to lure victims into clicking on embedded links, according to a PJ statement yesterday.
These ads, which mimic legitimate news articles, feature interviews with well-known local celebrities and claim that the celebrities have endorsed certain investment platforms, the statement said, adding that once victims click on the links, they will be prompted to register on counterfeit investment platforms, where their personal information is harvested for fraudulent purposes.
Initially, some victims may even receive small payouts to build credibility, only to find themselves unable to withdraw funds after investing larger sums, the statement said, adding that by the time they realise they have been deceived, the scammers have vanished, leaving behind financial losses and compromised personal data.
In response to the threat, the PJ’s Anti-Fraud Coordination Centre has issued an strong warning to the public, urging residents to remain vigilant about and sceptical of unsolicited investment opportunities promoted by unverified sources online, the statement said, emphasising that individuals should never transfer money or provide personal details to strangers, regardless of how convincing their claims may appear.
AMCM condemns fake news involving legal action against public figures
Meanwhile, the Monetary Authority of Macao (AMCM) has issued a clarification regarding a series of false claims circulating online alleging that it has initiated legal proceedings against several well-known public figures, according to an AMCM statement yesterday.
The bureau emphasised that the claims are baseless and urged the public to remain vigilant, advising against believing or sharing such misleading content to avoid falling victim to scams or suffering financial losses.
AMCM condemned the actions of individuals responsible for creating and disseminating false information, the statement said, it also warned that the bureau reserves the right to pursue legal action against those who damage its reputation through such malicious activities.
The AMCM statement further reminded members of the public to exercise caution when encountering suspicious online content, the statement said, adding that individuals who may have clicked on related links and provided personal information, bank card details, account information, or passwords are advised to contact the Judiciary Police’s Anti-Fraud Enquiry Hotline on 8800 7777 or the Emergency Hotline on 993 immediately to seek assistance and safeguard their financial security.
In addition, public broadcaster TDM yesterday also released a statement addressing the misinformation, in which it clarified that a recently circulated image, depicting a TDM Portuguese news reporter hosting a programme several years ago, has been accompanied by fake dialogue between the reporter and an interviewee.
TDM stressed that the dialogue is entirely fictitious and that the image and its associated content have no connection to the broadcaster, the statement said.
This poster provided by the Judiciary Police (PJ) yesterday urges residents to be vigilant about the recent investment scam.
