FundHK site accused of falsely claiming Hong Kong partners
Thestandard · 2 SOURCESabout 4 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A suspected crowdfunding scam website, FundHK, has drawn public warnings after listing well-known Hong Kong organizations and media outlets as supposed partners without their permission. The Hong Kong Jockey Club said FundHK used the acronym “HKJC” in promotional materials and falsely described it as a media and institutional partner, despite having no relationship with the club. Other bodies including the Hong Kong Council of Social Service, Green Earth, the Mental Health Foundation, HK01 and Radio Television Hong Kong also said they had no cooperation with the site and urged the public not to donate through it. Police anti-fraud systems classify fundhk.org as “high risk,” and the public has been warned not to transfer money or provide personal, banking or login information through the site
Key Points
- FundHK described several organizations and media outlets, including HKCSS, HKJC, SCMP, RTHK and HK01, as its “partners” on its website and promotional materials.
- The Hong Kong Jockey Club said on November 5 and 6 statements emerged denying links, and it stressed it had never authorized or endorsed FundHK or its activities.
- The site also displayed multiple crowdfunding campaigns, with some using names very similar to local environmental groups and claiming to raise money for tree planting and coral conservation.
- The Hong Kong Council of Social Service said it reported the matter to police on November 5 and reserved the right to take legal action.
- Police said Scameter lists fundhk.org at the highest warning level, “high risk,” and advised the public not to transact, click links, or enter card details or credentials
Why It Matters
The case raises immediate concerns for donors in Hong Kong because a website can appear credible by displaying familiar institutional names and public-interest campaigns, even when those organizations deny any involvement. It also underlines the practical value of checking police anti-scam tools and official statements before making online donations or sharing sensitive information