An audio message that has been circulating online claiming that staff from the Novel Coronavirus Response and Coordination Centre wearing white protective clothing would ring the doorbell and offer residents to help disinfect their flats is fake, the Judiciary Police (PJ) said in a statement on Friday.
According to the PJ statement, the police suspect the message is being sent by criminals planning to impersonate the centre’s disinfection staff so that they can enter residents’ flats to steal their valuables.
The statement said that the police have not received any cases about the message so far but reminded the public that if they face a similar situation, they should not open the door to let strangers in.
The statement also urged residents not to forward such messages, in order to avoid creating unnecessary rumours or panic. In the case that strangers ring their doorbell, residents should notify the building management office staff and family members immediately. The statement also urged residents not to disclose their personal information to strangers.
According to the statement, if residents come across strangers claiming to be staff members of the centre requesting to enter their home, they should immediately call their building management office and the centre’s enquiry hotline 28700800.
Residents should also call the police immediately for help if they are confronted with similar situations.
This undated handout image released by the Judiciary Police (PJ) on their Facebook page on Friday shows criminals impersonating anti-COVID-19 disinfection workers. The Chinese characters urge the public not to believe rumours, not to circulate or trust fake message, and always be on alert against burglars.
