Hong Kong customer service scams surge to HK$220M in August, triple monthly average

Hong Kong police report HK$220 million lost to customer service impersonation scams in August, over three times the monthly average for the first seven months. Scammers have shifted from phishing links to real-time control via direct calls, screen sharing, and malicious apps. The sharp escalation in losses and tactic change signals a growing cyber threat to Hong Kong residents.