Authorities report a notable crypto-related Telegram scam among rising fraud cases, with online shopping fraud incidents increasing 8.2% year-on-year to 12,505 in 2025.
Hong Kong police documented 12,505 online shopping fraud cases in 2025, reflecting an 8.2% rise from 2024. The largest single case involved a cryptocurrency scam executed via Telegram, linked to a fake Bittwatt customer service account, resulting in a loss exceeding HK$3.7 million. The incident underscores the growing use of social media messaging platforms in cybercrime targeting digital assets.