28th December 2024 – (Hong Kong) A recent social media post has highlighted a new type of phone scam targeting online shoppers in Hong Kong. The incident began when an individual received a call from someone claiming to be a staff member from a well-known brand, stating there was an issue with a purchased item and offering a refund at a “1 to 3” rate in exchange for personal information.
The victim, who had purchased underwear online in August, reported receiving the call in mid-November. The caller alleged that customer complaints had revealed that the product contained excessive formaldehyde. Despite the tempting offer, the victim expressed a preference for receiving a replacement product rather than a refund. However, the caller persisted, demanding personal details to process the refund.
Suspicion arose when the individual decided to contact customer service directly, only to discover that the call was part of a sophisticated scam. This revelation has sparked discussions online, with users warning others to remain vigilant against such tactics.
Commenters have advised that upon receiving unknown calls, individuals should “pause and think” before engaging. Some noted that scammers may possess partial personal information, raising concerns about how they obtained it. Others pointed out that legitimate recalls would typically be communicated through official channels, such as public announcements, rather than personal phone calls.
