Hong Kong authorities issued an urgent public advisory today, November 25, addressing a sophisticated fraudulent website titled “TKO Tunnel to Lam Tin” (tko-ltt.hk) that is circulating deliberately false specifics about the operational Tseung Kwan O–Lam Tin Tunnel. This timely warning aims to prevent the dissemination of misinformation about a critical public infrastructure project and protect residents from potential compromise by advising them to avoid engaging with the bogus platform.
The official statement clarified that the website is in no way affiliated with the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD), the Transport Department, or the operators responsible for the tunnel’s management and maintenance. The fraudulent site manipulates project details, including construction timelines, costs, scope, and related studies, presenting them as current and legitimate.
According to a Government spokesman, the most glaring factual error on the deceptive platform is its claim about the tunnel’s completion date. The Tseung Kwan O–Lam Tin Tunnel, a vital link connecting the eastern Kowloon region with the New Territories, was officially commissioned and opened to traffic on December 11, 2022. The fake website falsely indicates a future completion date of 2028.
Protecting Against Digital Deception
The proliferation of this misinformation campaign follows the formal closure of the official project website. The spokesman noted that the legitimate CEDD website dedicated to the tunnel’s construction project was deactivated on April 30 of this year, shortly after the project’s successful conclusion.
The attempt to mimic official government portals underscores a broader trend of digital deception targeting high-profile public works. By fabricating outdated or incorrect information, these sites can confuse the public and potentially serve as a vehicle for phishing or other illicit activities, though the specific intent of this current site remains under investigation.
In response to the discovery of the counterfeit site, the Hong Kong Police Force has been formally notified, and an investigation into the origin and purpose of the platform is underway.
Actionable Public Safety Takeaways
The Government strongly urged residents to exercise extreme caution when encountering unfamiliar websites claiming to represent official infrastructure projects. The primary concern is preventing individuals from unintentionally submitting personal information to the suspicious platform.
To verify information or report concerns regarding the Tseung Kwan O–Lam Tin Tunnel or other current public works, residents are advised to utilize official government channels only.
- Avoid: Clicking links or providing personal data on websites that end with unfamiliar domain extensions or present unexpected deadlines or costs for completed projects.
- Verify: Always cross-reference information against official press releases or the primary government department websites (e.g., CEDD or Transport Department).
For direct inquiries concerning the tunnel project, the CEDD remains the designated contact point. Residents can reach the department by telephone at 2762 5111 or via email at cedd@cedd.gov.hk. Maintaining vigilance against such sophisticated online scams is crucial for protecting personal security and ensuring access to accurate public information.