SWD Warns of Fake Website and Impersonation Messages
Bastillepost · 4 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The Social Welfare Department has issued a public warning over two related online scams: a fake website using the address “https://swd.gov-hk.co” and an impersonating messaging app account posing as an SWD service centre . In both cases, the apparent aim was to trick members of the public into replying to messages or clicking suspicious links so that personal information could be stolen . SWD said it has no connection with the fraudulent website or the fake account and has already referred the incidents to police for investigation and follow-up . People who may have disclosed personal data through the fake website were urged to contact police promptly, and SWD provided its hotline number, 2343 2255, for enquiries .
Key Points
- SWD specifically identified the fake website address as “https://swd.gov-hk.co” and warned the public not to open it or respond to messages carrying the link .
- Separately, fraudsters used an impersonating messaging app account claiming to represent an SWD service centre to approach members of the public .
- The scam messages sought to induce recipients to reply directly or click unknown links embedded in short messages, with the goal of stealing personal information .
- SWD stressed that it has no relationship whatsoever with the fake website or the impersonating account and has reported the incidents to police .
- Anyone who has already provided personal data through the fake website should contact police as soon as possible; SWD’s hotline is 2343 2255 .
Why It Matters
The case highlights how scammers are increasingly combining fake domains with impersonation on messaging platforms to exploit public trust in government departments . It also underlines the risks faced by welfare service users and the wider public when official-looking links or service-centre identities are used to harvest personal data . Prompt verification through official channels remains essential whenever unsolicited messages claim to come from public authorities .