Fake Customer-Service Scams Strike Again: Three Victims in Macao, One Losing MOP 2.03 Million
MACAO — The Judiciary Police have received a fresh run of reports involving scammers posing as customer-service agents. TDM reported on October 7 that three people were believed to have fallen for fake customer-service scams in the latest cases, with one victim losing MOP 2.03 million. Macao media reported the same day that the cons mainly impersonated the customer service of a short-video platform, and that the Judiciary Police had issued a public alert urging residents to stay vigilant.
According to the reports, callers typically claim the victim has activated a paid service, membership or insurance plan that will be charged automatically unless cancelled, then — offering to help cancel it — talk the victim through bank transfers or into handing over account details, draining the funds. The scripts exploit fears of being charged, and are made more convincing when callers can recite fragments of the victim's personal or spending information.
The Judiciary Police remind the public that genuine customer-service staff will never ask customers by phone to transfer or remit money, or to disclose bank passwords and verification codes. Anyone receiving a call about charges, refunds or cancellations should hang up and verify through official channels, and should not click links sent by the caller or install apps at their direction. Suspected victims should keep call and transfer records and report to the police promptly.
Telecom and online fraud remain a prevention priority in Macao. Security authorities have repeatedly noted in crime-statistics releases that phone and internet fraud caseloads are still substantial, and that the response combines prevention, loss recovery and enforcement. Police continue to intercept suspicious transfers through community outreach, bank cooperation and cross-boundary coordination, and advise elderly residents and those less familiar with e-banking to consult family members before acting on any call involving money.
Sources: Compiled from TDM reporting of October 7, 2026, and Macao media coverage of the Judiciary Police alert on fake customer-service scams.
Source: 澳广视、澳门司法警察局
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 澳门治安警察局警车，User3204 摄，CC BY-SA 4.0（Wikimedia Commons）
