The number of cybercrimes has increased significantly in 2021, the rate of cryptocurrency fraud has skyrocketed, according to the Hong Kong Police Department.
In the first six months of 2021, 496 cybercrime cases were recorded, and the loss of victims of fraud amounted to 214 million Hong Kong dollars ($ 27.5 million). For comparison, for the whole of 2020, 208 cases were recorded, and losses amounted to 114 million Hong Kong dollars ($ 14.6 million).
A significant increase in the number of scams is associated with the interest of local residents in investing in cryptocurrencies. Against this background, fraudsters have become more active. So, by
data South China Morning Post, a 30-year-old Hong Kong resident, lost almost $ 16 million on digital asset investments – he donated funds to some “consultants” who fled after receiving the money. There were also three cases where money was stolen in peer-to-peer cryptocurrency transactions.
Lester Ip Cheuk-yu, Chief Inspector of the Police Bureau for Cybersecurity and Technological Crimes, noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to the growing popularity of investment in cryptocurrencies. She also became the reason for the increase in the number of crimes in this area.
“People stayed at home much more often, which means they spent more time on the Internet. Scammers have more opportunities to lure people into their schemes. This trend is noticeable not only in Hong Kong, but all over the world, ”said Lester Ip Cheuk-yu.
Among cybercrimes, the most common cases are money laundering with cryptocurrencies, online shopping and peer-to-peer cryptocurrency fraud, and investment fraud.
“Citizens should think twice about whether the person offering the lucrative investment schemes is trustworthy and whether the meeting places are safe when making an exchange. Many people have a poor understanding of cryptocurrencies, which makes them even easier victims for fraudsters, ”said the chief inspector of the Hong Kong police.
Ip Cheuk-yu noted that young people often become victims of fraudsters. Simply because the older generation cannot grasp the technology and buy or send cryptocurrencies to scammers.
Earlier, the Barracuda Network reported that the number of cyber attacks aimed at stealing bitcoin increased by 192% between October 2020 and May 2021.
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