5 arrested in Hong Kong over HK$1.8 million theft targeting MPF account holders
Scammers impersonate pension account holders to withdraw funds, prompting managing body to suspend digital verification process
The scam also prompted the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority, which manages the pension scheme, to immediately suspend its paperless verification process, known as eKYC, for registering online platform users. It apologised for any inconvenience caused.
Chief Inspector Lee Chun-man of the force’s cybersecurity and technology crime bureau said on Friday that the scam ring was discovered when a resident attempted to open an eMPF account in late October, only to find his identity had been stolen and a profile already existed under his name.
About HK$810,000 had been withdrawn from the account under his name and transferred to a bank account opened using his stolen identity.
The eMPF platform is an online one-stop shop designed to allow users to pick their pension service providers, check performance and operate their accounts.
Superintendent Ferris Cheung Hau-yee said 12 victims had been discovered so far, with three suffering monetary losses totalling HK$1.8 million.