HONG KONG – The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) of Hong Kong has issued a warning about a new scam in which fraudsters impersonate neighbors to establish contact through SMS messages. 

Residents across various housing estates in the city have reported receiving messages about issues like water seepage or noise disturbances, prompting them to reach out via instant messaging apps.

According to a release from the PCPD on Monday, subsequent investigations by estate management offices confirmed the messages to be fraudulent. 

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Since March 2025, the PCPD has received four inquiries and two complaints related to this scam, affecting several housing estates in Kowloon and the New Territories.

The scammers aim to engage victims by posing as their neighbors. Once communication is established, they may feign interest in forming a relationship or employ other deceptive tactics to gain trust, ultimately seeking to steal money or personal information.

Additionally, victims may be tricked into clicking on suspicious hyperlinks that lead to fraudulent websites designed to steal their personal data.

Privacy Commissioner Ada Chung Lai-ling has urged the public to remain vigilant against such scams, particularly those involving fraudulent SMS messages or phone calls that impersonate neighbors. 

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Residents should avoid disclosing personal information and immediately contact their estate management offices for verification if they receive such messages or calls.