Authorities warn of scam promising employment in Hong Kong

IMPACT – MEDIUM

Authorities in Hong Kong are warning of an email scam where overseas individuals are targeted, promised work and asked to provide personal information and money.

Key Points:

• A statement released last week said that both the Immigration Department (ImmD) and the Labour Department (LD) have received questions about emails offering foreign nationals employment under the so-called “Employment for Professionals Assessment Scheme.” There is no such scheme, and the government has confirmed that they did not send the emails. An investigation is underway to determine the source of the emails.
• The scam emails have asked recipients to turn over personal data and pay a fee. Authorities have urged anyone who receives the email not to provide information or pay a fee, but rather to send enquiries to the Immigration Department (enquiry@immd.gov.hk) or the Labour Department (sld-hq@labour.gov.hk). Recipients can also file a report with Hong Kong police.

Analysis & Comments: Foreign nationals are encouraged to remain vigilant against possible scams, not to turn over personal information if targeted, and to report suspicious emails to authorities.

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