Hong Kong architect cheated out of HK$24.5 million in cryptocurrency investment scam
- Woman, 44, fell victim to fraud when swindler impersonating a male architect in Taiwan befriended her through WhatsApp
- Between last June and January this year, she transferred HK$24.5 million into designated bank accounts in 65 transactions, source says
She fell victim to the investment fraud in June last year when a swindler impersonating a male architect in Taiwan befriended her through WhatsApp. Police said the scammer also claimed he was an investment expert.
A source familiar with the case on Wednesday said the victim was lured into setting up an account on a bogus trading website to invest in the digital coin Tether.
Between last June and January this year, she was coaxed into transferring HK$24.5 million into designated bank accounts in 65 transactions, he said.
The Post learned that her investment account showed positive returns and the balance once reached nearly double what she had invested.
According to the force, the woman later tried to withdraw the profits, but was asked to pay an administration fee. She did not pay the fee and later discovered the website was not in operation.
She realised she had been conned when she lost contact with the “expert”. She sought help from police on Tuesday.
