Hong Kong should step up measures to protect mainland Chinese students against scams, such as arranging a quiz before their visas are issued, lawmakers have urged, after two local universities reported at least HK$75 million (US$9.6 million) were lost to fraudsters.
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The growing number of mainland students falling victim to scams while studying in the city prompted authorities from both sides to explore ways to prevent further increases in cases, a source told the Post on Sunday.
Citing another source, lawmaker Johnny Ng Kit-chong, also a convenor of an anti-scam alliance, said that asking students to take the questionnaire on the mainland before their visas were issued could be an option, adding it would raise their awareness.
“I think there is a need for [the questionnaire] since scam syndicates are rampant,” Ng told a radio show on Monday.
“Victims are gatekeepers. If their awareness is high, the chances of being scammed will be lower.”
He said those questionnaires should also be done regularly amid constant changes in scam tactics.
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