The Hong Kong Fire Services Department (FSD) issued an urgent public advisory today, December 1, following the emergence of a fraudulent online fundraising effort. Scammers are attempting to exploit the recent tragedy surrounding the death of firefighter Mr. Ho Wai-ho, who perished while on duty during the Wang Fuk Court blaze in Tai Po. The FSD stressed that the public should disregard unverified donation requests, clarifying that only specific, official channels are authorized to accept contributions for Mr. Ho’s bereaved family.
The warning addresses a circulating online video of unknown origin that falsely solicits donations using the late Mr. Ho’s family’s name. Authorities indicated that the perpetrators even utilized a bank account bearing a name deceptively similar to that of a genuine relative, deliberately attempting to mislead compassionate citizens. The FSD has officially referred the case to the Hong Kong Police Force for immediate investigation.
In the wake of this deceptive appeal, the FSD has reiterated the only legitimate ways for the public to offer financial assistance to the family. Individuals seeking to express their support should strictly adhere to these verified arrangements to ensure their contributions reach the intended recipients.
Verified Donation Methods for Supporting the Ho Family
The FSD confirms two official methods for providing financial contributions:
Direct Bank Deposit
Donations can be directly deposited into the bank account belonging to the deceased firefighter’s father, Mr. Ho Shing.
- Account Name: HO SHING
- Account Number: 039-744-1-039365-9
- Bank: Chiyu Banking Corporation Ltd
Cheque Submission via Fire Services Department
Alternatively, donors may issue a cheque and submit it through the official channels of the Fire Services Department.
- Payee: Cheques should be made payable to 何勝 or HO SHING.
- Delivery: Cheques can be delivered in person or sent by post to the FSD for secure onward transmission to the family.
- Address: Welfare and Building Management, Fire Services Department, 11/F, South Wing, Fire Services Headquarters Building, 1 Hong Chong Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon. (Attention: Mr. Wong Hon-kiu)
Protecting Generosity from Exploitation
The FSD emphasizes the crucial need for vigilance, urging the community not to respond to any appeals for funds that are not explicitly sanctioned and publicly announced by official government bodies or authorized family representatives. The department noted that malicious online campaigns often surface following public tragedies, attempting to capitalize on genuine public goodwill and sympathy.
This incident highlights a growing concern regarding financial cybercrime targeting disaster relief and memorial funds. Public scrutiny of online solicitations is paramount. When deciding to contribute to a cause, citizens should always prioritize official, verifiable communication channels and contact the relevant organization directly if they harbor any doubt about a request’s authenticity. Relying only on the officially listed donation arrangements is the strongest defense against falling victim to these pervasive scams, ensuring that public generosity truly supports the grieving family of the fallen hero.