Hong Kong woman loses HK$2.5 million in online collagen drinks scam
Victim tried to buy collagen drinks for HK$530 but was told the goods were out of stock and was offered refund
A housewife in Hong Kong has lost nearly HK$2.5 million (US$320,500) in an online shopping scam after she tried to buy collagen drinks for HK$530, according to police.
The victim saw a Facebook post advertising collagen drinks and transferred HK$530 via Faster Payment System, police said on their CyberDefender Facebook page.
The seller later claimed the item was out of stock and offered a refund, sending the woman a link to a fake Facebook page that asked for her online banking details.
Believing the site was genuine, she entered her information.
Within days, her savings were drained in four transfers, leaving her with losses close to HK$2.5 million.
Police warned that scammers often lured victims with small purchases before tricking them into disclosing sensitive banking data.