Phone scams in Hong Kong increased by about 22% in the first five months of 2025 compared to the same period last year, with police reporting a total of 2,574 cases. Despite this rise in incidents, the financial losses from these scams dropped significantly, falling by nearly two-thirds to HK$430 million (US$54.8 million). This decrease is largely attributed to a reduction in cases involving mainland Chinese students, who are often targeted for larger sums of money.

Chief Inspector Grace Wong Chi-man explained that there was a 45% decline in scams affecting mainland students, who typically lose millions in these schemes. In fact, losses from cases involving these students amounted to HK$44 million during this period, which is about 10% of the total losses and represents a 45% decrease from HK$81 million lost last year.

The police emphasized the importance of raising awareness among mainland students as they prepare for the upcoming academic year starting between August and October.

Original article

This article is like a puzzle piece that doesn't quite fit. It tells us about phone scams in Hong Kong and how they've changed, but it doesn't give us any super helpful advice or teach us something really important. It's like a story, but it doesn't help us do anything or make us feel better. It doesn't tell us how to protect ourselves or what to do if we get scammed. It's just a bunch of numbers and facts, but it doesn't explain why these things happen or how we can stop them. It's not very useful for us to know about these scams unless it helps us stay safe or makes us smarter. So, while it's interesting, it's not something that can really help us in our everyday lives or make us feel better.

The surge in phone scams in Hong Kong, despite a decrease in financial losses, raises concerns about the vulnerability of individuals, particularly mainland Chinese students, to exploitation. The fact that these students are often targeted for larger sums of money highlights the importance of protecting the vulnerable and upholding personal responsibility within communities.

The primary concern here is the erosion of trust within families and communities. Phone scams prey on the trust and naivety of individuals, often targeting those who are new to a region or unfamiliar with local customs. This can lead to a breakdown in community cohesion and an increase in social isolation, as individuals become more wary of interacting with others.

Furthermore, the fact that losses from scams involving mainland students have decreased significantly suggests that awareness and education campaigns may be having a positive impact. However, this also underscores the need for continued vigilance and community-led initiatives to protect vulnerable individuals.

In terms of family responsibilities, phone scams can have a devastating impact on families who lose significant amounts of money. This can lead to financial strain, emotional distress, and a breakdown in family relationships. It is essential for families to prioritize open communication, education, and mutual support to prevent such incidents.

The stewardship of the land is also affected by phone scams, as they can lead to a loss of trust in local institutions and a sense of insecurity among community members. This can have long-term consequences for community development and social cohesion.

If phone scams continue to spread unchecked, the consequences for families, children, and community trust will be severe. Families may become increasingly isolated and vulnerable to exploitation, leading to a breakdown in social bonds and community cohesion. The lack of trust and accountability will undermine local responsibility and stewardship of the land.

In conclusion, it is essential for communities to prioritize awareness, education, and mutual support to prevent phone scams and protect vulnerable individuals. By upholding personal responsibility and promoting community-led initiatives, we can rebuild trust and strengthen family relationships. The real consequence of unchecked phone scams is a erosion of community cohesion, increased vulnerability, and a decline in social responsibility. We must act collectively to prevent this outcome and ensure the well-being of our families, children, and communities.

"Police emphasized the importance of raising awareness among mainland students as they prepare for the upcoming academic year starting between August and October."

This sentence uses passive voice to hide who is taking action. It suggests that the police are not actively involved in raising awareness, but rather that awareness is being emphasized, without specifying who is doing the emphasizing. This passive construction downplays the police's role and may lead readers to believe that the police are not taking a proactive approach. The focus is on the students and the upcoming academic year, diverting attention from any potential police initiatives.

The text primarily conveys a sense of concern and a call to action. The emotion of worry is evident throughout, as the increase in phone scams by 22% is a cause for alarm, especially with the high number of reported cases. This worry is further emphasized by the mention of financial losses, which, despite decreasing, still amount to a significant sum. The text aims to create awareness and a sense of urgency, as the police highlight the need to protect mainland students, who are often targeted and vulnerable to losing large sums of money.

The emotion of relief is also subtly present, as the decrease in financial losses provides a glimmer of hope and a positive outcome amidst the concerning rise in scam incidents. This contrast between the rise in cases and the drop in losses creates a complex emotional landscape, where worry and relief coexist. The text skillfully uses this emotional contrast to draw attention to the issue and encourage proactive measures.

To persuade readers, the writer employs a strategic use of language. The phrase "typically lose millions" paints a stark picture of the potential harm, evoking a strong emotional response. By emphasizing the large sums of money involved, the writer effectively highlights the severity of the problem. The repetition of the percentage decrease (45%) also drives home the point that progress is being made, which can inspire readers to take action and support the ongoing efforts.

Additionally, the personal story of mainland students being targeted adds a human element to the issue, making it more relatable and emotionally engaging. This narrative technique helps to build empathy and a sense of responsibility among readers, encouraging them to support awareness campaigns and take preventive measures. By skillfully weaving these emotional elements into the text, the writer effectively guides the reader's reaction, fostering a sense of concern and a desire to contribute to a solution.