A number of telephone deception cases aiming at the catering industry have been found recently. The fraudsters claimed that they could recommend suppliers to the eateries for ordering food materials. After the restaurant manager had paid the deposit, the other party would lose contact immediately. In July, officers from Police Community Relations Office of Western District (WDIST) and Regional Crime Prevention Office of Hong Kong Island, together with members of District Fight Crime Committee (DFCC) (Central and Western District) and DFCC (Southern District), paid visits to restaurants in WDIST, Aberdeen and Stanley. The team distributed leaflets which disseminated messages about relevant deception to the catering industry, reminding caterers that they should stop such transactions immediately or seek assistance from the Force through the “Anti-Scam Helpline 18222” when they come across suspicious situations.

Officers from WDIST disseminate anti-deception messages.