A Hong Kong car owner lost HK$500,000 in a scam involving bogus prepaid petrol cards, as fraudsters exploited surging fuel prices with fake discount offers. Police said the victim did not suspect foul play due to prior experience with legitimate discount cards from other fuel firms.
Hong Kong police reported that a car owner recently fell victim to a fuel membership card scam, losing HK$500,000. Fraudsters offered bogus prepaid petrol cards promising discounts, luring the victim into immediate purchases.
Police said the victim believed claims that buying more cards would yield higher discounts, leading to multiple transfers. The car owner had previously used legitimate discount cards from other fuel firms and did not suspect foul play.
The scam comes amid surging fuel prices, driven by factors including Middle East tensions, which scammers exploited to target cost-conscious drivers. Authorities urge caution against similar online shopping frauds.