Customs today appealed to the public to stay alert to deceptive phone calls purporting to be made by the department.
Customs noted that it recently received a number of public enquiries about receiving phone calls from +852 2815 7711, which is the same number as its general enquiry hotline, or from other local mobile phone numbers.
The callers, claiming to be officers of Hong Kong Customs, tell the called party that they have seized an express parcel or cargo consignment because contraband items were found inside it.
Some of the callers also requested the called party to visit the Shenzhen Bay Control Point or other control points for investigations or penalty payments, or download unknown mobile applications.
Customs clarified that it has not made such calls, adding the incident has been reported to Police.
It reminded the public that its officers will provide relevant information to verify the identity of both parties if they need to contact them and will not request sensitive personal information nor ask them to download unofficial mobile applications.
