In connection with recent cases related to phone scams, the Immigration Department (ImmD) remains very concerned and has been in close contact with the Hong Kong Police Force. It is understood that in some cases victims received pre-recorded voice calls from scammers posing as immigration officers informing them that they would have immigration restrictions imposed. Such calls were subsequently transferred to another scammer posing as a non-local law enforcement officer who asked the call recipient to provide sensitive information, such as personal particulars, bank account numbers and passwords.

     An ImmD spokesman again reminded members of the public that the ImmD does not make any pre-recorded voice calls to members of the public, and the ImmD will not transfer calls to other non-local authorities and will not ask the call recipient to provide information such as bank account numbers and passwords.
    
     The public should remain vigilant and verify the identity of a caller when contacted by phone, and should not disclose personal information to others arbitrarily. If there is any doubt, members of the public should call the ImmD's enquiry hotline on 2824 6111 or email enquiry@immd.gov.hk.

     Anyone suspecting a scam should immediately report it to the Police.

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
     
     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to a press release issued by Bank of Singapore Limited on suspicious mobile application (App), which has been reported to the HKMA.  Hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA website for ease of reference by members of the public.
      
     Anyone who has provided his or her personal information to the App concerned or has conducted any financial transactions through the App should contact the bank concerned using the contact information provided in the press release, and report to the Police or contact the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.

     In response to media enquiries on the suspected security loopholes in the application procedures for credit reports from TransUnion Limited (TransUnion), a spokesman for the Chief Executive's Office said:

     As TransUnion holds a massive amount of the public's personal data, it has the responsibility to protect such data with effective security measures. If there are any loopholes in the system, TransUnion must take immediate remedial actions to protect the rights of the public. We noticed that the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data issued a statement yesterday (November 28), stating that the Office had contacted TransUnion and initiated a compliance check to find out the facts and assist the company in taking immediate remedial actions. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority has also requested through the Hong Kong Association of Banks TransUnion to investigate the incident immediately and to strengthen the authentication procedures required to obtain the personal data as soon as possible.
 
     As regards the Chief Executive's personal data, the Chief Executive has received a letter from TransUnion stating that the company has taken remedial measures to enhance data protection.

     The Lands Department announced today (November 29) that in respect of the tender for the site Lot No. 2883 in Demarcation District No. 130 at Fuk Hang Tsuen Lane, Lam Tei, Tuen Mun, New Territories, which was awarded on October 24 to the successful tenderer, Jantix Realty (Hong Kong) Limited (parent company: Jantix Renewal Development Limited), on a 50-year land grant at a premium of $83.19 million, the tender amounts submitted by the unsuccessful tenderers in descending order are published on an anonymous basis as follows:

(1) $81 million
(2) $18.1 million

     The information disclosed in this press release is for information only.

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at regular intervals:

     Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (November 29) that Yuen Long Swimming Pool in Yuen Long District has been temporarily closed for cleaning and superchlorination following the discovery of a small amount of faeces in the pool.

     It will be reopened at 8.20pm today.

     The department appeals to swimmers to be considerate and to keep the swimming pools clean. They are advised not to swim after a full meal and should use the toilet facilities if necessary before swimming.