27th December 2024 – (Hong Kong) As the festive season unfolds in Hong Kong, reports have emerged of a surge in scams involving so-called “photo groups” exploiting the holiday spirit to extract money from unsuspecting pedestrians. Recent incidents in Tsim Sha Tsui and Central highlight the cunning tactics employed by these scammers.
In one case, a woman visiting the AIA Carnival encountered a person dressed in a cat costume who was engaging with passersby. Mistaking the individual for a carnival staff member, she approached to participate. However, after taking a photo, her friend was suddenly pulled away for another picture. The disguised individual then presented a payment code, demanding a fee for the photo taken, leaving the woman bewildered. In a bid to extricate themselves from the situation, she and her friend reluctantly handed over HK$20.
Another incident involved a woman near the Tsim Sha Tsui pier, who approached a group dressed in Christmas attire for a festive photo opportunity. After the picture was taken, the group revealed a note claiming they were deaf and requested HK$30 as a fee for their “service”. Surrounded by apparent accomplices, the woman felt pressured to comply and paid the amount to escape the situation.
Public reaction has been swift, with many netizens condemning the practice and criticising those who pay the scammers, arguing that such actions only perpetuate the problem. Comments on social media reflect a mix of outrage and disbelief, with some calling for increased vigilance and urging victims to report such incidents to the authorities.
