The “State of Scams in Hong Kong 2025 Report” reveals that 77% of Hongkongers are targeted by scams each year, encountering an average of 202 scams. Those reporting financial losses faced an average loss of HK$6,798.
In Hong Kong today, the familiar ping of a new message or the ring of an unknown number signals a potential trap rather than a routine notification. The Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) and Whoscall, the digital anti-scam app developed by Gogolook, a TrustTech company, released the “State of Scams in Hong Kong 2025 Report”, revealing the city is living in a state of digital siege, leading to staggering financial losses and a growing crisis of trust.
The report paints a stark picture of an urban epidemic:
- 3 in 4 Hongkongers (77%) were targeted by scams each year on average
- Individuals faced 202 scam encounters annually, equating to nearly one scam every two days
- The total financial loss from scams reached HK$5.3 billion, with affected individuals reporting an average loss of HK$6,798, indicating a major societal concern
A costly miscalculation due to a confidence gap
Despite a constant barrage of scam attempts, 76% of surveyed Hongkongers say they feel confident recognising scams, however, reports indicate that even among those who believe they “can always recognise a scam”, many still reported losing money.
Individuals who reported financial losses due to scams faced an average loss of HK$6,798. This significant amount can derail personal savings and shatter trust in financial systems. The severity of the situation in Hong Kong is further highlighted in a regional context in the report, with the average loss per victim surpassing the Southeast Asian average (approx. HK$5,140), as well as individual losses in Thailand (~HK$2,770) and the Philippines (~HK$1,500).
Scammers are also diversifying their channels, making identification even harder. While scam phone calls are still common, fraudulent schemes now thrive on the very platforms Hongkongers use daily, from SMS and WhatsApp to Instagram, exploiting users’ comfort and increasing their vulnerability.
Reporting challenges leading to uncertainty
When victims attempt to fight back, they often encounter a complex web of uncertainty. While nearly 70% report the scam, a concerning 61% of respondents receive no updates or see no action taken on their cases. This reporting fatigue is intensified by an increasing expectation for shared responsibility in scam prevention.
Approximately 70% of respondents expect action from public service organisations, including government agencies, the police, financial protection authorities and consumer protection groups, as well as commercial entities such as website providers, banks, mobile operators, and insurance companies.
This finding highlights the need for collective accountability, better tools, and stronger safeguards to restore trust in the digital landscape.
A call for unified defence and proactive technology to build a full protection cycle
“Fragmented defence is no match for the scale of scams,” said Jeff Kuo, Co-founder & CEO of Gogolook. “We share the public’s call for a unified approach and are actively working to foster collaboration among the government, financial institutions, and telecom providers to build a more resilient front line.”
While AI makes the scam more convincing, from fake messages to cloned voices and impersonation profiles, the city needs defences that learn and adapt in real time. Whoscall, powered by Gogolook, utilises AI prediction technology to analyse patterns and behaviours of scam groups, safeguarding over 100 million users globally with a continuously refreshed database of 2.6 billion phone numbers. This technology actively assists the Hong Kong Police’s Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau (CSTCB) in real-time scam blocking and early warnings. Whoscall also serves as a key technology and data partner for the Hong Kong Police’s CyberDefender website and Scameter app, among other initiatives.
The GASA & Whoscall’s “State of Scams in Hong Kong 2025 Report” underscores that true safety is achieved through a cycle of heightened public awareness, prompt and effective reporting, and proactive technological measures. Gogolook is dedicated to enhancing this entire cycle from providing cutting-edge technology for scam identification to assisting Hong Kong authorities in improving reporting mechanisms and promoting essential public education.
The full report, powered by Whoscall data, is available for public review at the Global Anti Scam Alliance (GASA) website. All stakeholders are encouraged to explore the findings and insights to help build a safer digital future for Hong Kong.
