According to Hong Kong customs data and parent reports, overseas student housing and cross-border remittances have become high-risk targets for identity theft and financial fraud. A Hong Kong parent named Karen lost approximately 25,000 HKD and faced severe identity theft risks after a fraudulent landlord exploited a passport copy and a remittance control number to intercept funds intended for her daughter’s university accommodation in Paris, France.
Paris Student Housing Fraud Case Details
In June, parent Karen communicated via email with an individual posing as a landlord in Paris, where her daughter is an undergraduate in her second year. According to Karen’s account reported by on.cc, the scammer demanded a deposit of 2,700 euros—about 25,000 HKD—transferred through a designated international remittance company as a financial capacity proof. The fake landlord also requested a passport copy, a current residential contract, and the remittance receipt.
Because finding student housing in Paris is intensely competitive, Karen followed the instructions, assuming the process was standard since the transfer listed her daughter as the designated recipient. On June 15, the scammer used the daughter’s passport photocopy and the remittance control code to collect the cash in France before vanishing. Local police formally registered the identity theft case after confirming the student was working at a corporate internship at the time with clear attendance records.
Remittance Company and Customs Responses
Western Union stated in response to inquiries that it launched an investigation and strictly followed internal procedures and applicable controls. According to Western Union’s findings, the company did not identify any violations of Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements or related compliance obligations.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong Customs confirmed receipt of related reports and ongoing follow-up. Between January and July, Customs handled 38 inquiries regarding frozen remittances or bank accounts, contacting every affected party. Customs emphasized that under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance, money service operators must hold valid licenses. The department conducts regular and surprise inspections to monitor compliance and urged the public to use licensed operators, watch out for abnormal exchange rates, and retain transaction records.
Expert Warnings on Overseas Rental Scams
Education consultant Leung Hiu-fai stated that approximately 90 percent of rental offers requiring specific remittance companies are fraudulent due to low cash-pickup thresholds and difficult recovery processes. Leung advised students to prioritize university-recommended student accommodations. For private rentals, students should use compliant local real estate agencies and conduct in-person viewings rather than trusting unregulated social media listings.
Pro Tip: Traditional watermarks on document copies are easily bypassed by modern technology. Experts recommend utilizing professional encrypted platforms to transmit passport copies rather than relying on standard email or messaging applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do scammers steal money using passport copies for overseas housing?
Scammers exploit remote remittance services that allow cash pickup using identification copies and transaction control numbers without requiring the recipient’s physical presence or strict secondary verification.
What should students do to avoid rental scams in cities like Paris and London?
Students should secure university-approved housing, inspect private properties through licensed local brokers in person, and avoid transferring funds through unverified channels.
How many remittance-related complaints has Hong Kong Customs received recently?
According to Hong Kong Customs, authorities handled 38 inquiries regarding frozen remittances or accounts between January and July.
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