Hong Kong police have arrested 61 people in a major operation targeting Hong Kong Phone Scams, as authorities reported a sharp increase in telephone fraud cases across the city during the first five months of 2026.
Police said phone scam reports rose 46 percent compared with the same period in 2025, highlighting growing concerns over organized fraud networks targeting residents. The latest enforcement action focused on dismantling groups suspected of carrying out a series of telephone scams that caused significant financial losses.
The operation, code-named Pebblepace, was carried out earlier this month and resulted in the investigation of 54 phone scam cases involving losses of more than HK$31 million (about US$3.95 million).
According to police, the suspects range in age from 17 to 82 years old. They were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud, obtaining property by deception, and money laundering. Authorities said investigations remain ongoing.
Many of the cases involved a common fraud method known as the “guess who I am” scam. In this scheme, callers contact victims without identifying themselves and encourage them to guess their identity. Once victims mention the name of a relative or friend, the caller pretends to be that person and claims to be facing an emergency.
Police said the scammers often tell victims they urgently need money for legal problems, medical treatment, or other unexpected expenses. Victims are then instructed to hand over cash directly to individuals sent by the fraudsters rather than transferring money through a bank.
Authorities said 10 of the investigated cases involved 22 elderly residents who received calls from people pretending to be family members. The callers falsely claimed they needed money for bail or medical fees and persuaded victims to hand over cash in person.
Police warned that older adults remain one of the primary targets for this type of fraud because scammers often exploit family relationships and create a false sense of urgency. Investigators urged families to discuss common scam tactics with elderly relatives and encourage them to verify any unexpected requests for money before taking action.
Law enforcement officials also advised the public to remain cautious when receiving calls from unknown numbers, especially if the caller requests immediate financial assistance. Residents are encouraged to independently contact relatives using trusted phone numbers before making any payment or sharing personal information.
Police said anyone who receives a suspicious call should end the conversation immediately and report the incident to authorities. Early reporting can help investigators identify fraud networks and prevent additional victims from being targeted.
The latest figures show that telephone fraud continues to be a growing challenge in Hong Kong despite ongoing enforcement efforts. Authorities said they will continue carrying out intelligence-led operations to disrupt organized scam groups while increasing public awareness through education campaigns.
Officials urged residents to stay alert, verify urgent requests for money, and report suspicious activity promptly. Police said public awareness, quick reporting, and cooperation between communities and law enforcement remain key to reducing the growing threat of Hong Kong Phone Scams.
