Beware of Scammers! Car Owners, Take Note! Latest Car Scam Collection | 5 Anti-Fraud Tips

Many car owners leave their phone numbers on their windshields in case of emergencies, but this can also give scammers access to their information and create opportunities for fraud. This time, Kwiksure has compiled information on various car scams, including the latest methods of telemarketing fraud, phishing text messages, car insurance scams, and fraudulent sales scams, and shares 5 anti-fraud strategies to reduce the risk of being scammed.

Beware of scammers |Latest car scams and telecom fraud methods

1. Wrong parking scam messages

Some scammers use the phone number left on the windshield of a car owner to send a message claiming that the car owner has parked in the wrong car. They can accurately say the car owner's license plate number, vehicle model, and the location of the car they usually park in, making the car owner mistakenly believe that the other party is a neighbor and lowering their guard, thereby obtaining more information to commit fraud.

2. Car scratch scam

Scammers will contact car owners via mobile messaging apps, claiming that they witnessed the scratches on the car owner's vehicle. They could also describe the vehicle's license plate number, color, and the location of the accident. They attempted to use the vehicle as a topic of 'friendship' to commit fraud.

3. A message was sent claiming that the side mirror of a vehicle had been damaged and the sender wanted to pay compensation.

The scammers will send messages to the phone number left by the car owner, 'confessing' that they accidentally scratched the side mirror of the car while parking, and suggest that the car owner check the vehicle's condition and take a video to facilitate compensation. If the car owner refuses to compensate, the scammers may offer to 'treat them to a meal' and 'make friends' to continue the conversation.

4. Phishing SMS messages using the guise of 'electronic tickets'

Police piloted Electronic Fixed Penalty Tickets in June 2025, issuing tickets via SMS or email. Scammers will counterfeit the mobile SMS format and claim that there are outstanding traffic tickets for vehicles and attach hyperlinks to fake electronic traffic ticketing platforms to trick car owners into providing their personal or account information.

5. Fake license plates

The target of this type of scam is intending to buy a used vehicle. Experts know that scammers can forge highly realistic fake license plates, identical to genuine ones in paper quality, font, and content. However, the vehicle owner's information on the plate is entirely fictitious. Scammers typically demand cash payments from buyers, and even if the buyer insists on a bank transfer, they will still be deceived due to the fake owner's identity on the plate. Before making a transaction, experts can request the vehicle owner to apply for a Certificate of Particulars of Motor Vehicle to keep your mind at ease.'

6. Fake car insurance

Scammers will contact victims via websites, social media, or mobile messaging apps,  claiming to be an insurance company intermediary. They lure car owners into buying car insurance by offering higher premium discounts, and ask the victims to submit insurance information and transfer money to their personal bank accounts via mobile phone. They then issue fake temporary and official insurance policies.

7. Counterfeit 'EasyPass'

Some scammers will impersonate 'HKeToll' text message claims that the victim has an overdue bill with penalties and asks the recipient to click on a website link provided in the message to check and pay the bill. This tricks the victim into clicking on a fake website and stealing their credit card information and personal data.

8. Vehicle transfer loan

Recent reports indicate that scammers, posing as interested buyers, obtain vehicle registration certificates and copies of ID cards from car owners. They then forge signatures on documents found in the registration certificates and, posing as agents, apply for replacement certificates and transfer of ownership, ultimately transferring the vehicle to apply for a car loan. Since the Transport Department does not require the original ID card to be presented when reissuing a vehicle registration certificate, scammers can apply for a transfer of ownership for vehicle owners with just a copy of the vehicle registration certificate and a completed form. Vehicle owners need to be extra careful when selling their vehicles to avoid disclosing any personal information or documents.

Beware of Scammers | Tips for Avoiding Telecom Fraud/Vehicle Sales Scams

1. Never disclose any personal or account information.

Scammers often send fraudulent messages through mobile messaging apps. Regardless of the content, when you receive a message from an unknown number, be skeptical and verify its authenticity. Never disclose any personal or account information before confirming the identity of the other party.

2. Beware of phishing text messages.

When receiving text messages that appear to be from the government or official channels, never click on hyperlinks within the message. First, check if the sender's name is misspelled. According to the SMS Sender Registration Scheme, all SMS tickets will have a sender's name starting with '#', and the content will not include any hyperlinks. All Government websites will use the domain '.gov.hk'.

3. Verify the credibility of the phone number and website.

If you suspect you have received a scam message, you can use the scam trap finder 'Scameter' App launched by the Hong Kong Police Force. The system uses 'suspicious call alerts' and 'suspicious website detection' functions to assess the credibility and security risks of phone numbers and websites, reducing the chances of being scammed.

4. Verify the seller's identity before making payment.

Before purchasing car insurance or selling a car, you should always verify the other party's identity. If you have any doubts about the identity of the car insurance seller, you can directly inquire with the relevant insurance company. This will prevent you from depositing premiums into a personal bank account, and you can also verify the information with the insurance company after receiving the policy.

In the car sales market, before buying a used car, buyers should carefully check the authenticity of the seller's vehicle registration certificate. Buyers can request authorization from the seller and pay to apply for a Certificate of Particulars of Motor Vehicle to verify the vehicle owner's identity on the license plate. When selling a car, avoid providing the seller with copies of the license plate and ID card at the same time, to prevent fake buyers from using your personal information for illegal purposes.'

5. Call the anti-fraud hotline 18222.

If you suspect you have been scammed, you can call the 24-hour 'Anti-Fraud Easy 18222' hotline to contact the Anti-Fraud Coordination Center for assistance. You can also get the latest information and warnings about scam methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do scammers defraud car owners through messages?

After noting down the car owner's phone number, the scammers will initiate conversations by making various excuses, such as parking in the wrong car or damaging the car's side mirror. They will gradually 'befriend' the car owner to obtain personal information and then carry out investment or emotional fraud after gaining their trust.

How to avoid being scammed when buying or selling cars?

Scammers may forge highly realistic vehicle registration certificates using false identities. Before conducting a transaction, they may request the vehicle owner to apply for a 'Certificate of Particulars of Motor Vehicle' to verify their identity. Never disclose personal information or submit any payments before confirming the identity. When selling a car, avoid providing the seller with copies of the vehicle registration certificate and ID card to prevent fake buyers from using your personal information for illegal purposes.