The Macau Public Security Forces Affairs Bureau (DSFSM) urged the public in a statement yesterday to remain vigilant and be wary of fraudulent phone calls from individuals impersonating its staff.
According to the statement, recently residents have received suspicious phone calls from fraudsters using unidentified numbers claiming to be staff members of the bureau and falsely presenting themselves as police officers.
Under the pretext of various matters such as immigration investigations or case verifications, the statement said, the fraudsters attempt to deceive residents into engaging in video calls and providing personal information, bank account details and passwords, or even transferring money, as part of the scam.
In the statement, the bureau reminded the public that neither the bureau nor any other local law enforcement agency will ever request members of the public to engage in video calls, provide bank account passwords, make fund transfers, download any software, or perform screen-sharing operations over the phone, adding that neither will they ask individuals to verify sensitive personal information or handle financial matters over the phone.
The statement underlined that upon receiving a call from someone claiming to be from the Public Security Forces Affairs Bureau or other law enforcement agencies, citing immigration issues or case investigations as a reason to demand a video call, financial information, or monetary transfers, the public should not believe the caller, should not comply with his or her request, and should not provide any information. They should hang up immediately.
The official logo of Macau Public Security Forces Affairs Bureau (DSFSM)
