25th December 2024 – (Hong Kong) Two women carrying purported branded handbags have been reported soliciting money from lone male pedestrians across various districts on Hong Kong Island, claiming they need funds for food. This comes alongside a cautionary tale from a Mainland tourist who, during a visit to Hong Kong, mistakenly accepted a 20 Mexican peso note, which closely resembles a 20 Hong Kong dollar bill, leading to her being defrauded.
The prevalence of scams has raised alarms, particularly a case involving a con artist active since April 2023, who has allegedly exploited the kindness of over 20 well-meaning citizens in Kowloon and the New Territories. This individual claimed that their daughter was hospitalised and urgently required financial assistance, resulting in losses exceeding HK$60,000.
Recent social media posts have highlighted similar encounters, with eyewitnesses noting the two women with the purported designer bags swiftly departing when approached with a camera. Community members have identified these individuals as frequent figures in the area, specifically targeting solitary men for financial aid, prompting some locals to mockingly label them as part of a “well-dressed begging syndicate.”
The tactics of these scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated. The aforementioned tourist recounted her experience on social media, explaining how she received the misleading currency while shopping for snacks, only to discover its true value when attempting to make a payment. Reflecting on the incident, she stated, “I’ll consider it a souvenir,” noting that the 20 pesos equate to approximately 7 yuan.
