Editorial | Protect our children from online scams
Cybercrime is a growing global problem and police in Hong Kong face a constant battle to keep up with those behind it
The need to be alert to online scams should, by now, be widely understood. The use and abuse of digital platforms has long been part of modern life. But such crimes continue to become more prevalent, with victims often losing huge sums.
The vulnerability of students is especially worrying. Police in Hong Kong say 900 young people became victims of “naked chat” or dating scams last year. It is shocking that girls as young as nine and 11 were among the victims.
People are persuaded to undress on camera by criminals they meet online. They then face blackmail demands, together with the threat the video will be shared. There were 2,117 cases last year, with 443 student victims.
Another crime involves the paying of a “deposit” ahead of a date, with the promise of sexual services. But the date never takes place. Students were targeted in 450 of these scams last year, with one of the latest cases involving a 13-year-old boy.
The police are making much-needed efforts to increase awareness. The force has just launched the third edition of a crime prevention booklet for the young, highlighting five common offences, with 50,000 copies to be distributed to schools and youth service centres.
Broader efforts have been made to warn the public of evermore sophisticated scams through promotional videos and a carnival, and a police “Scameter” app helps identify attempted deceptions.
