Introduction

In a troubling trend, mainland Chinese students in Hong Kong have become prime targets for scammers, prompting urgent measures from local authorities and educational institutions. Lawmaker Johnny Ng Kit-chong highlighted that these students often face "multiple vulnerabilities," such as limited familiarity with local laws, language barriers, and the challenges of adapting to a new environment.

New Protocols by Universities

To address this issue, universities are now implementing new protocols. Ng suggested that limiting access to certain campus facilities until students complete anti-scam training is essential for ensuring higher participation. "Voluntary programs often see low turnout, but these measures are intended to protect students actively—not treat them with suspicion," he emphasized.

Support from Former Officials

Former security minister Lai Tung-kwok has expressed support for the new initiatives. He noted that given the potential for "serious consequences" and significant financial losses, such measures are justified and necessary.

Efforts at PolyU

At PolyU (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University), a spokesperson confirmed ongoing cooperation with police to enhance scam awareness among students. Since July of last year, all new students have been required to complete an online anti-deception training kit designed by law enforcement before they can fully access university facilities. This proactive step is aimed at equipping students with critical information regarding common scams.

Seminars and Resources

Additionally, PolyU has organized seminars on fraud prevention and established 15 WeChat groups in collaboration with police to keep students updated on the latest scams. Similarly, HKU (The University of Hong Kong) has distributed fraud prevention kits tailored for students, particularly focusing on those new to Hong Kong from the mainland. These kits include information about common fraudulent schemes, educational videos, and quizzes to reinforce learning.

Recent Incidents

The urgency of these measures is underscored by alarming recent incidents. Just last week, an 18-year-old mainland student at HKU fell victim to a sophisticated scam, losing a staggering HK$9.2 million (approximately US$1.2 million) after a fraudster falsely claimed she was implicated in a money-laundering case. In another shocking case from November, criminals attempted to extort HK$6 million by faking a kidnapping involving an 18-year-old student.

Conclusion

As the prevalence of such scams continues to rise, the collaboration between universities and law enforcement aims to foster a safer and more informed environment for international students. Experts urge students to remain vigilant and utilize the resources provided to protect themselves from the ever-evolving tactics used by scammers. Stay alert and safeguard your future—don’t let fraudsters ruin your educational journey!