A Hong Kong merchant lost HK$45 million in a WhatsApp scam using AI-generated voice messages. Scammers are exploiting technology to deceive victims.
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| Hong Kongers lost ฿870 million to online scams in a week, with AI voice-cloning used in a major cryptocurrency fraud. Stay alert against digital fraudsters. Image Courtesy: SCMP |
Hong Kong — February 10, 2025:
Online fraudsters scammed Hong Kong residents out of more than HK$200 million (870 million baht) in just one week last month, with criminals employing artificial intelligence (AI) to mimic voices and deceive victims.
In one of the biggest cases, a merchant lost HK$45 million while attempting to buy cryptocurrency mining equipment. The victim was tricked via WhatsApp messages, believing they were dealing with a legitimate mainland Chinese company. Police revealed that the scammers used AI to clone the voice of the company's financial manager, leading the victim to transfer funds in three separate transactions using USDT, a cryptocurrency pegged to the US dollar.
Investigations found that the real financial manager had unknowingly accessed a fraudulent WhatsApp page on a laptop, allowing criminals to compromise the account and use AI-generated voice messages to carry out the scam.
Between January 20 and 26, authorities recorded a sharp rise in online scams, including shopping fraud, with the highest single loss reaching HK$9.5 million.
Police Commissioner Raymond Siu Chak-yee has warned the public to stay vigilant, noting a surge in investment scams and fraudsters impersonating mainland officials. Many scams begin with online romance schemes, where criminals build trust before persuading victims to invest in fraudulent platforms.
In another alarming case, a property owner lost HK$7 million in cryptocurrency. The woman was initially contacted via WhatsApp by a supposed tenant interested in renting her flat. The scammer gained her trust by sending gifts and later convinced her to invest in a fake trading platform called Coinupex. After multiple transactions, the fraudster disappeared with the funds.
As Hong Kong approaches the Spring Lantern Festival and Valentine's Day, police are urging the public to remain cautious, warning that scammers may exploit emotional connections to lure victims. Authorities have recommended using the Scameter search engine on the CyberDefender website and app to verify suspicious links and prevent falling victim to fraud.
With AI-powered scams on the rise, law enforcement continues to enhance its cybercrime monitoring efforts, urging residents to report any suspicious activities immediately.