The vulnerability of mainland Chinese students studying in Hong Kong to sophisticated scams has prompted universities to implement mandatory anti-fraud training programs. Lawmaker Johnny Ng Kit-chong highlighted the students’ susceptibility, citing their unfamiliarity with local laws and regulations, potential language barriers, and the general uncertainties of navigating a new environment. These factors create a perfect storm, making them prime targets for scammers who exploit their anxieties and lack of local knowledge. The proposed solution involves restricting access to certain campus facilities until students successfully complete the anti-fraud training and testing. This proactive measure aims to ensure higher participation rates compared to voluntary programs, which historically suffer from low engagement. The emphasis, Ng stresses, is not on suspicion but on proactive protection and collaboration between universities and law enforcement to safeguard students from falling prey to these criminal activities.
This initiative arises amidst a backdrop of increasing scam incidents targeting mainland Chinese students. One recent case involved an 18-year-old HKU student who lost a staggering HK$9.2 million (US$1.2 million) to a phone scam. The fraudster, impersonating an official, claimed the student was implicated in a cross-border money laundering case. This incident underscores the gravity of the situation and the substantial financial losses that can devastate families. Furthermore, Hong Kong police have identified a concerning trend of scams involving fake kidnappings, where criminals attempt to extort large sums of money from parents by staging the abduction of their children. One such case involved an attempted extortion of HK$6 million from the father of an 18-year-old student. These incidents highlight the urgent need for robust preventative measures to protect vulnerable students from these increasingly complex and targeted scams.
Supporting the mandatory training initiative, lawmaker and former security minister Lai Tung-kwok described HKU’s new measure as a valuable tool for reinforcing awareness among mainland students. He believes the measures are proportionate to the severity of the consequences, considering the significant financial repercussions these scams can have on students and their families. The potential for devastating financial losses justifies the implementation of mandatory training as a preventative measure. This intervention aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to identify and avoid scams, protecting them from falling victim to these increasingly sophisticated criminal schemes. The focus is on empowering students with the information they need to navigate the complexities of their new environment safely and securely.
Several universities have already taken steps to address this growing concern. PolyU, for instance, has implemented mandatory online anti-deception training and testing developed in collaboration with the police. This requirement has been in place since July of last year and serves as a prerequisite for admission, ensuring all new students receive the necessary training. Beyond the online module, PolyU has organized seminars to disseminate anti-deception information and established 15 WeChat groups in partnership with the police. This multi-pronged approach aims to keep students informed about the latest scam tactics and provide a platform for ongoing communication and updates regarding fraud-related matters. The collaborative effort between the university and law enforcement demonstrates a commitment to providing students with the most up-to-date information and resources to protect themselves.
HKU has also taken proactive steps by distributing fraud prevention kits designed to educate students on identifying and avoiding potential scams. These kits provide comprehensive information on four prevalent types of fraud, supplemented by informative videos and a multiple-choice questionnaire. This approach allows students to engage with the material in a dynamic and interactive way, reinforcing key concepts and promoting active learning. The university emphasizes the importance of this initiative, particularly for students new to Hong Kong and from the mainland, by providing them with personalized guidance and support to understand the information effectively. The goal is to equip students with the necessary knowledge to enhance their anti-fraud awareness and safeguard themselves from becoming victims of these criminal activities.
These comprehensive efforts by Hong Kong universities reflect a growing recognition of the vulnerability of mainland Chinese students to scams. The combination of mandatory training programs, informative resources, and collaborative partnerships with law enforcement demonstrates a proactive approach to protecting students from financial and emotional distress. By equipping students with the necessary tools and knowledge, universities aim to create a safer and more secure environment for their international student population. This proactive stance emphasizes the importance of providing comprehensive support and resources to help students navigate the challenges of studying abroad and protect themselves from the risks of fraud. The ultimate goal is to empower students to thrive in their new environment, free from the fear and anxiety associated with scams and fraudulent activities.
