Payment card fraud syndicate smashed

Police believe to have smashed a payment card fraud syndicate following the arrest of a 27-year-old man and the seizure of a quantity of credit cards involving a loss of about HK$700,000 yesterday (January 9).

Following intensive investigations, officers of Commercial Crime Bureau arrested the man in Sham Shui Po yesterday afternoon.

A further search on his residence in the district led to the seizure of 36 credit cards with different customer names, photocopies of over 100 Hong Kong Identity cards and other suspected false documents including salary statements. A computer and a printer were also seized.

Initial enquiries indicated that the syndicate has made use of false documents and other persons' details to apply for credit cards. The credit cards were subsequently used, involving a total amount of about HK$700,000.

The man is still being detained for enquiries. Investigations by Commercial Crime Bureau is on-going.

A Police spokesman reminds the public that they should be cautious when disclosing their personal data to others. When in doubt, they should refuse to disclose such information or contact the Police.


Add Police Report No. 2

Issued by PPRB

END/Wednesday, January 10, 2007