Multi-property owner loses HK$10 million after fraudster poses as possible tenant

A 64-year-old retired property owner in Hong Kong has suffered a HK$10 million ($1.3 million) loss after being tricked into investing in cryptocurrencies by a fraudster posing as a potential tenant. The victim's properties included residential, commercial, and parking spaces. In May, she responded to a rental listing on Facebook with a message on WhatsApp from a scammer.

The fraudster befriended the woman and falsely claimed expertise in cryptocurrency investment, promising her wealth through "the next opportunity to get rich." The scammer provided step-by-step instructions on setting up a cryptocurrency wallet but tricked the victim into disclosing her wallet details and password. The fraudster then persuaded her to invest significant amounts of money, which were subsequently transferred out of her digital wallet.

The victim realized the deception only after discovering her cryptocurrency wallet was empty. Police advised against sharing cryptocurrency wallet details and passwords with anyone and emphasized the need for vigilance when interacting with social media users, especially those offering investment advice or high returns. Earlier this month, a 67-year-old woman was arrested for similarly posing as prospective tenants to defraud property owners of HK$4.3 million through a virtual currency investment scam.

She had contacted two victims advertising a flat and a parking space, offering to pay in advance and later convincing them to join a high-return investment scheme using fraudulent cryptocurrency investment apps.