Hong Kong master’s student duped into Thai nightmare
A Hong Kong master’s student was swept into an international scam that cost her over HK$500,000 (approximately 2.2 million baht) and led her to an alarming detour to Thailand. This unprecedented case pushed Hong Kong police to seek Interpol’s help, marking the first time a victim was lured overseas.
The victim, identified as K, a 22 year old student from Yunnan, China, recounted how scammers impersonated mainland Chinese and Hong Kong officials, accusing her of money laundering.
“The sham public security official and I talked on the phone for eight hours, leaving no room for me to think,” she revealed, recalling how the fraudsters even wore official uniforms during video calls.
Believing her bank accounts were frozen and fearing worse repercussions, K travelled to Guangzhou to pay 500,000 yuan in “caution money.” The scammers then instructed her to flee to Thailand for safety.
The nightmare deepened when the fraudsters contacted K’s parents, claiming she had been kidnapped in Bangkok. They demanded a ransom of 10 million yuan (46.9 million baht), prompting her parents to alert Hong Kong police.
In a high-stakes operation, Hong Kong police worked with Interpol, Thai police, and the Chinese embassy to locate K, who had been instructed to move between hotels in Bangkok. She was found three days later, shaken but safe, reported South China Morning Post.
Superintendent Theodora Lee of Hong Kong’s Anti-Deception Coordination Centre warned, “Law enforcement officials will never demand bank transfers or tell you to cut off contact with your family. These are classic scam tactics.”
This case highlights a sharp rise in university student scams, with losses in 2024 already exceeding HK$1.42 billion, more than double the previous year. As students navigate new cities and academic pressures, scammers exploit their vulnerabilities.
In related news, police confirmed the safety of a seven year old Thai girl after her mother faked her abduction on social media, causing panic and confusion among the public.
