• Source: SCMP

• Title: 50 Hongkongers lose HK$2.83 million in a week from ‘compensated dating’ scams

• Writer: Clifford Lo

• Summary

  • Method of Operation: Scammers posed as attractive individuals on social media and dating platforms to befriend victims.
  • Fraudulent Offers: They offered 'compensated dating' or sexual services
    • leading victims to make advance payments.
  • Payment Tactics: Victims were pressured to buy game point cards, use digital currency, or transfer money as deposits before any meetings.
  • Disappearance of Scammers: After receiving payments, the scammers vanished, and the promised dates never occurred.

• Q: a message or lesson that I have learnt from the article

• A: be conscious of making friends on social media

  • Already have many romance scams now
  • When: In the future
  • Scammers and hackers anywhere on social media platforms
  • They can get personal information
  • Fake friends
  • Social media platforms often used for these scams: Instagram, Facebook, and X
  • How to prevent
    • Unfriend the person when something suspicious happens
    • Be conscious when meeting new friends online

• Q: how it applies to yourself as a Form 2 student

• A: Build stronger cybersecurity knowledge

  • on other people:

    • e.g.: friends, family members
    • Remind others like friends and family members

  • When someone I know falls into a trap like this * Call the police * Call 18233 * Comfort him/her

  • Learn more about cybersecurity

    • Watch videos
    • Read books

  • Install preventive apps like the Scameter+ by the Hong Kong Police Force

• The end