Editorial | Use every possible tool to beat scammers
- Latest steps taken by the Communications Authority are to be welcomed but ultimately Hong Kong must seek regional and international cooperation to put these swindlers out of business for good

Hong Kong is known as one of the safest cities in the region. But that well deserved reputation is being put to the test as phone scams and online frauds continue to prey on the weak and vulnerable in recent years.
The government must step up publicity and prevention lest more victims fall for these insidious and increasingly sophisticated traps.
The latest crackdown involving the collaboration of the Office of the Communications Authority is a positive step forward. Starting from May, anti-fraud voice alerts will be used to warn mobile phone users about potential scammers calling from overseas.
A message saying “Call is from outside Hong Kong. Beware of deception” will be sent to the recipient. The service will be provided free of charge by telecom operators without preregistration.
People have long been told to be cautious with caller displays that come with “+852” – the city’s international dialling code. Evidently, the message has not sunk inasmuch as it should.