The Judiciary Police (PJ) urged the public in a statement yesterday to beware of fake “helping fire victims” donation scams.
According to the statement, the Judiciary Police have recently received reports from local business associations that individuals claiming to represent a Hong Kong charity have been visiting local shops to solicit donations, claiming that the funds raised will be used to assist residents affected by last Wednesday’s inferno in Hong Kong’s Tai Po District. Given that neighbouring regions have already reported a number of fraudulent cases exploiting disaster relief fundraising for the victims, the Judiciary Police said that they decided to urge people in Macau to remain highly vigilant and guard against such scams the statement said.
Hong Kong Police Force Commissioner Chow Yat-ming told reporters in Hong Kong that, as of 4 p.m. yesterday, the death toll from the massive blaze had risen to 159, with 31 individuals still missing. Chao also said that preliminary identification procedures have been completed for 140 of victims, aged between 1 and 97 years.
The Judiciary Police emphasised in the statement that if the public wishes to donate to assist the Tai Po fire victims, they should use the official donation accounts published by the Hong Kong government or choose legitimate, reputable charitable organisations with a proven record of public fundraising.
Before donating, the statement pointed out, it is advisable to verify the respective organisations through their official website, or go through officially recognised public fundraising platforms, as well as certified online channels, to ensure that the funds are used appropriately.
The statement also said that if members of the public receive unsolicited fundraising calls or messages, they should remain calm and first verify the information through the official contact channels of the relevant organisations.
The Judiciary Police also said that members of the public should not readily provide personal information or proceed with any transfers, if in doubt about the authenticity of the fundraising activity.
Those noticing any suspicious circumstances can access the PJ “Anti-Fraud Programme” to check scam risk indicators and report suspicious information. Alternatively, they may call the anti-fraud enquiry hotline on 8800 7777 or the emergency report line on 993 for assistance, the statement said.
The Judiciary Police, according to the statement, also urged the public to maintain a strong sense of fraud prevention while engaging in public welfare and caring for society. It is essential to properly protect personal property and information, and not give scammers any opportunity to exploit goodwill, the Judiciary Police said.
The Post published on Monday an editorial about the deadly fire disaster, headlined “Tai Po inferno sparks solidarity and triggers call for fire safety drive” – https://www.macaupostdaily.com/news/26776.
This handout image provided by the Judiciary Police (PJ) yesterday urges the public to remain wary of individuals soliciting donations under the guise of “helping fire victims”.
