Hongkongers warned scammers could be sending out fake MTR annual passes
- Aim to steal people’s details through scanning QR code
We need to be careful of scams and check to make sure that a “free” gift is safe to use.
We need to be careful of scams and check to make sure that a “free” gift is safe to use.
The MTR Corporation warned Hongkongers about a potential scam involving fake “free” annual rail passes. These had a QR code allowing criminals to steal people’s information from their mobile phones.
This is how the scam worked. Some people were sent a letter with a physical card saying they won an annual MTR pass. The letter asked them to scan a QR code to activate the pass. But according to social media posts, scanning the QR code allowed fraudsters to steal information from the victim’s phone.
“We emphasise that the MTR Corporation does not have any programme which involves sending out free annual passes by mail and requiring the recipients to scan a QR code to use them,” the MTR Corp said.
The company urged the public to stay alert and to protect their personal information carefully.
Octopus issues the stored value cards used on the MTR. It said it was also aware of the case and also urged people to be careful.