Hong Kong drivers warned to look out for sham compensation claims

Hong Kong Police and insurers have warned motorists to be alert to road scammers seeking unusually high and belated compensation claims stemming from minor or non‑existent traffic accidents, with officers reviewing 30 such cases.Superintendent Charles Fung Pui‑kei of the commercial crime bureau warned on Tuesday that the police force had recently received reports of drivers facing sudden massive civil claims, well after officers closed a traffic case. Some incidents involved a tiny bump or even no collision.The claims typically cover legal fees, medical expenses, loss of income, vehicle repairs and other miscellaneous costs, with each case involving several hundred thousand dollars.Among the 30 cases police are reviewing, the largest claim exceeded HK$800,000 (US$102,560).Fung said the cases were referred by insurers or reported by members of the public and all had occurred since 2023.Police met the city’s Federation of Insurers on Friday to discuss the situation, while also proactively contacting individuals targeted in suspicious claims.Selina Lau and Superintendent Charles Fung warn drivers to be wary. Photo: Handout