Phishing Scams Targeting Jungchunje Festival Surge... "Do Not Click on These Hongbao"

Published 13 Feb.2024 17:00(KST)

Phishing scams disguised as 'Hongbao,' which Chinese people exchange to celebrate holidays or special occasions, are rampant, prompting authorities to issue warnings.

On the 13th, China Central Television (CCTV) reported that scammers are exploiting the increased exchange of Hongbao among relatives and acquaintances during the Spring Festival, and public security authorities have issued warnings about six types of Hongbao scams. These crimes mainly occur through WeChat, China's largest chat application.

(Photo by China CCTV news footage capture)

First, there are Hongbao that ask for a password. Normally, Hongbao received via WeChat can be claimed automatically with just a click. If a message prompts you to enter a password, you should immediately close the window to avoid being scammed.

You should also be cautious of Hongbao that request personal information. If a prompt asks you to enter your phone number, name, bank card account number, or other information, authorities emphasize that this is a trap set by scammers. Using this information, they can intercept phone verification codes sent by the bank system and transfer money illegally.

Hongbao that induce sharing with WeChat friends are also a cause for concern. If a message appears saying you must share with other friends to receive the Hongbao, it is likely a phishing scam that can cause secondary damage. Authorities warn that people tend to approach Hongbao shared by acquaintances without sufficient caution, which can increase the damage. Cases where users are asked to share on social media accounts are also considered similar crimes.

Additionally, be wary of Hongbao that impersonate official websites to make you mistakenly believe you have won an event, or those that link to payment pages.