Hong Kong Scams: Online, Investment & Fraud Guide
Common scams in Hong Kong and how to report them to the HKPF, the ADCC hotline 18222, and your bank.
Emergency number: 999 (emergency), 18222 (anti-deception hotline) — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Hong Kong faces high rates of telephone and online deception, investment fraud, romance scams, and job scams. The Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau (CSTCB) investigates cybercrime and operates the CyberDefender public awareness programme. The Anti-Deception Coordination Centre (ADCC) runs the 18222 hotline — a critical resource if fraud is detected immediately after a transfer, as it can attempt to intercept funds in transit. Hong Kong residents and visitors should also be aware of phone-based impersonation scams targeting Mainland Chinese callers through fake police or government claims.
Common scams
- Telephone deception — callers impersonating police, courts, or government officials
- Investment and crypto fraud
- Romance and pig-butchering scams
- Job scams offering part-time online work
Tourist-specific scams
- Overcharging in tourist-area shops and restaurants
- Counterfeit goods in tourist markets
Online shopping scams
- Phishing impersonating Hong Kong banks or government services
- Online shopping non-delivery via fake sites
- Social media account takeover
Job scams
- Task scams requiring deposits to 'unlock' earnings
- Fake recruitment requiring personal data or upfront fees
Romance scams
- Dating-app romance leading to crypto investment grooming
Investment scams
- Fake trading platforms and unauthorised investment schemes
- Pig-butchering combining romance with crypto investment pressure
How to report a scam here
- If money was just transferred, call the ADCC immediately on 18222 to attempt interception
- Contact your bank's fraud line to freeze the account
- Report cybercrime to the HKPF Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau
- File a police report at the nearest police station or the e-Report Centre online
Local reporting & protection links
- Cybercrime reporting
- Consumer protection
- Police
- ADCC anti-deception hotline — Dial 18222 immediately if fraud is in progress
- CyberDefender (HKPF public platform)
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Bank & payment guidance
Call the ADCC on 18222 and your bank immediately — speed is critical as Hong Kong banks can attempt to intercept transfers that have not yet been withdrawn. No genuine police officer, court, or government official will call demanding immediate transfers or threatening arrest by phone.
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot all messages, profiles, websites and payment pages
- Save transaction references, account numbers and crypto wallet addresses
- Keep emails with full headers where possible
- Note dates, times, names and phone numbers used
Frequently asked questions
What is the ADCC 18222 hotline?
The Anti-Deception Coordination Centre (ADCC) is operated by the Hong Kong Police Force and provides a 24/7 hotline at 18222. If you have been defrauded and a transfer was recently made, calling 18222 immediately gives the best chance of intercepting the funds.
What is CyberDefender?
CyberDefender is the HKPF's public cybersecurity awareness programme at cyberdefender.hk. It provides education on scams, cybercrime trends, and self-protection resources for residents and businesses.
Are telephone deception scams common in Hong Kong?
Yes. A common variant involves callers impersonating Mainland Chinese law enforcement claiming the victim is under investigation for financial crimes in China and must pay to 'clear' their name. These are scams — real authorities do not demand money by phone.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance