Scammers impersonate Hong Kong lawmaker to defraud resident of HK$38,000

Hong Kong lawmaker Gary Chan Hak-kan has been impersonated in a scam that defrauded a victim of HK$38,000 (US$4,849), with the legislator calling the act despicable.Police said on Wednesday that it received a report from a woman the previous day, stating that she had received a call from a man who allegedly impersonated another person and persuaded her to send money under false pretences.The woman transferred HK$38,000 to an account specified by the caller but subsequently lost contact with him, prompting her to lodge a report, according to the force.The case has been classified as obtaining property by deception and is being investigated by the anti-deception team under the New Territories South regional headquarters.Chan said on social media that alleged criminals had impersonated him by contacting residents and attempting to trick them into transferring money.“This scam is egregious. The scammers exploited the public’s trust in Legislative Council members to commit fraud, causing financial losses to residents and damaging social trust and community harmony. I strongly condemn such despicable acts,” he said.