Hong Kong police have arrested a woman for allegedly impersonating a social welfare group to solicit donations for victims of the fatal Tai Po fire.
The 27-year-old mainland Chinese woman, who holds a two-way exit permit, was detained for investigation, said Lam Kin-tat, an assistant commander of the police force’s Wan Chai district, on Tuesday.
Lam said police received a report about the suspicious donation appeal website on Saturday. That night, police removed the website with the help of the Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre.
The police force also contacted the bank to cease operations of the relevant bank account.
No reports were received of anyone being scammed by the suspicious donation appeal, Lam added.
Hong Kong is still reeling from the fatal fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, which has so far killed at least 156 people – one of the city’s deadliest blazes in history.
Amid genuine support efforts for victims, Lam said, a hotbed of scams and misinformation has emerged online, including people pretending to be volunteers and collecting personal information such as bank account details from victims.
“The police strongly condemn the criminals who are taking advantage of the kindness of citizens during Hong Kong’s moments of grief to engage in fraudulent activities,” he said. The police “vow to investigate the masterminds behind the scenes.”
On Monday, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD) also urged the public to stay wary of fraudulent schemes relating to the fire.
Meanwhile, the Indonesian consulate general has warned of scams. At least nine domestic workers from Indonesia have died in the blaze.
“[W]e encourage our nationals to remain cognizant and only trust reliable sources of information, including official releases by the Consulate General and relevant local authorities,” the consulate said in a statement to reporters on Monday.
