- The South China Morning Post has filed a police report after a fake website mimicked its design to promote a fraudulent crypto scheme using false claims about billionaire Li Ka-shing.
- Authorities and experts urge the public to stay vigilant, as impersonation scams targeting trusted media and celebrities continue to rise.
The South China Morning Post (SCMP) has sounded the alarm over a fraudulent website impersonating its platform to push fake cryptocurrency investments. The trusted Hong Kong-based news outlet recently filed a police report after discovering that the copycat site had published a fabricated interview featuring billionaire Li Ka-shing, falsely claiming he endorsed an auto-trading crypto scheme.
The scam included doctored screenshots of an alleged TVB interview in which Ka-shing supposedly revealed earning millions through crypto trading. Not only was the interview fake, but both SCMP and TVB confirmed that no such broadcast ever occurred. The fraudulent site went so far as to replicate SCMP’s website design to deceive readers, making the false claims appear more credible.
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A spokesperson from SCMP confirmed the case had been escalated to authorities, stating, “We are aware of the situation and have reported it to the police.” They also emphasized the importance of verifying online content and warned readers to rely solely on SCMP’s official channels for news.
This incident highlights a disturbing trend of scammers impersonating reputable media outlets and public figures to lend legitimacy to their schemes. Experts note that these bad actors often mimic the appearance of trustworthy platforms and create a sense of urgency to lure victims into handing over their money.
Li Ka-shing, a prominent figure in Hong Kong’s business landscape and founder of CK Hutchison Holdings, has frequently been used by scammers attempting to exploit his credibility. This isn’t the first time his name has been falsely linked to get-rich-quick schemes online.
As impersonation scams ramp up, cybersecurity professionals are urging the public to practice strong digital hygiene. This includes verifying URLs, avoiding unsolicited investment pitches, and cross-checking news from reliable sources before taking action.
In a digital age where misinformation can spread with alarming speed, SCMP’s move to report the incident is a timely reminder: not everything that looks legitimate online can be trusted. Always think twice before you click.