Hong Kong watchdog warns of scam impersonating Built-in Pro retailer

Hong Kong’s privacy watchdog, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, has issued a warning about a scam targeting customers of the electrical appliance brand Built-in Pro. Over the past six months, they received 24 complaints and seven inquiries from individuals who were contacted by fraudsters posing as staff members. The callers claimed the appliances were defective and offered compensation or product replacements. One victim lost HK$17,000 (US$2,170). The watchdog noted that the number of complaints has been rising recently, indicating an escalation in the scam's activity.

A spokesman for the watchdog advised the public to be cautious even if callers can reference personal data, as fraudsters may have obtained such information through data breaches or other means. He urged customers to verify the caller's identity before disclosing any further personal data or making payments. The warning highlights the growing sophistication of scams that leverage personal information to build trust, and the need for consumers to remain vigilant when receiving unsolicited calls, especially those involving financial transactions or sensitive data.