Hong Kong loses HK$350 million to online shopping scams in 2025

Hong Kong police report that online shopping scams cost residents about HK$350 million (US$44.8 million) from January to November 2025, with cases up 8% year on year. Around 63% involved bogus concert ticket sales.

Internet fraudsters cheated Hong Kong consumers out of about HK$350 million (US$44.8 million) through online shopping scams between January and November 2025, while the number of such cases grew by 8 per cent year on year. According to figures released on Friday, 11,449 online shopping scams were reported in the first 11 months of last year, up from 10,576 for the same period in 2024 and 8,332 in 2023. Total losses in 2025 for such cases reached about HK$350 million, matching the figure for the same period the previous year. In comparison, losses stood at around HK$170 million between January and November 2023.

Police also said that about 63 per cent of cases over the period involved bogus concert ticket sales, while another 9 per cent were related to fake sales of electronic goods. Superintendent Cheung Hau-yee of the force’s cybersecurity and technology crime bureau noted the trend remained upwards, but said: “The rate of increase has shown obvious signs of slowing down.” She pointed to an 8 per cent increase in the number of cases from 2024 to 2025, compared with a 27 per cent rise from 2023 to 2024.

These figures, released on February 6, 2026, highlight the ongoing challenge of online fraud in Hong Kong. While case numbers rose, stable losses suggest some improvement.

Makala yanayohusiana

South Korean police probe BTS ticket scams at Gwanghwamun Square ahead of the group's 2026 comeback concert amid fan crowds and stage preparations.
Picha iliyoundwa na AI

Police investigate ticket scams ahead of BTS comeback concert

Imeripotiwa na AI Picha iliyoundwa na AI

South Korean authorities are probing ticket fraud, automated purchases, and illegal resales for BTS' free comeback concert at Gwanghwamun Square on March 21, 2026—the group's first live show since military service. Reports of scams have emerged amid the event's massive draw of up to 260,000 fans, prompting enhanced security as preparations intensify.

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.

Imeripotiwa na AI

In 2025-26, Hong Kong's government received HK$2.1 billion (US$268.39 million) from fines, penalties, and forfeitures, nearly 26 percent more than initially forecast. The surge follows an increase in cigarette penalties and a rise in forfeitures. This income amounts to 0.3 percent of the government's total revenue.

Despite a large exodus of local residents, Hong Kong's hotels and tourist-area restaurants reported robust business during the Lunar New Year holiday from February 13 to 18. Immigration Department figures show 2.5 million outbound journeys by locals, compared to 1 million tourist arrivals. Visitor numbers rose, but the net outflow increased year on year.

Imeripotiwa na AI

Government data shows that outbound online sales by South Korean businesses reached a record 3.02 trillion won in 2025, marking the third consecutive year of growth. This represents a 16.4 percent increase from the previous year. Sales rose notably in the United States and China, but fell in ASEAN countries.

Hong Kong's Fire Services Department reported 221 complaints about illegal petrol stations in the first two months of the year, 42 per cent higher than the 2025 monthly average. The rise coincides with surging oil prices from the US-Israel war with Iran, which has driven standard petrol prices up by 56.4 per cent. Authorities noted that illegal operators are converting vehicles into mobile refuelling points, heightening public safety risks.

Ijumaa, 10. Mwezi wa nne 2026, 00:59:29

Workplace sexual harassment complaints in Hong Kong jump 38%

Alhamisi, 9. Mwezi wa nne 2026, 02:09:15

Hong Kong police hunt man who stole Pokemon cards worth HK$250,000

Jumatatu, 30. Mwezi wa tatu 2026, 21:01:32

China’s sci-fi industry hits record revenues in 2025

Jumamosi, 7. Mwezi wa tatu 2026, 08:39:30

Man robbed of HK$6 million in crypto and silver in Hong Kong

Jumapili, 22. Mwezi wa pili 2026, 15:24:03

South Korean prosecutors recover $22 million in lost bitcoin

Jumapili, 22. Mwezi wa pili 2026, 08:25:24

Hong Kong restaurant burgled, HK$800,000 in cash stolen

Jumanne, 17. Mwezi wa pili 2026, 04:36:40

Hong Kong customs arrests four over HK$140 million in smuggled medicines

Alhamisi, 12. Mwezi wa pili 2026, 20:53:22

Nine arrests in million-euro Louvre ticket fraud

Jumamosi, 31. Mwezi wa kwanza 2026, 06:55:09

Calls for stricter rules after bot bookers detected on Hong Kong sports app

Jumapili, 25. Mwezi wa kwanza 2026, 16:47:04

Arrest warrants issued for 55 of 73 scam suspects from Cambodia

Tovuti hii inatumia vidakuzi

Tunatumia vidakuzi kwa uchambuzi ili kuboresha tovuti yetu. Soma sera ya faragha yetu kwa maelezo zaidi.
Kataa