Fake SCMP Website Uses Li Ka-shing Endorsement in a Cryptocurrency Scam

The South China Morning Post (SCMP) has filed a police report after finding a fraudulent website impersonating its digital publication to spread cryptocurrency investment scams. The fake site published a fabricated news article claiming that Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-shing had promoted cryptocurrency auto-trading during a television interview.

“We are aware of the situation and have reported it to the police,” an SCMP spokesman confirmed. They also advised readers to “stay vigilant to avoid scams or phishing sites” and to access news only through the official website.

Crypto Scam Fakes TVB Interview

The fraudulent article, dated April 17, featured doctored screenshots and falsely claimed that Li had revealed making “millions from crypto auto-trading” during an interview with TVB, a major Hong Kong television broadcaster. The impostor website closely mimicked the SCMP’s legitimate online interface to create an impression of authenticity.

No such report appeared on the genuine SCMP website on April 17, and a review of TVB news broadcasts from the same day confirmed that no such interview or statement from Li Ka-shing had occurred. TVB has also filed a police report regarding the fraudulent claims and urged the public to remain vigilant when encountering information from unknown sources.

Scammers Exploit Trusted Brands to Lure Victims

This incident is just one example of scams that use the credibility of established media organizations and well-known businessmen to lure potential victims. Scammers create news articles that look realistic at first glance to instill false security and urgency to inspire victims to invest in fraudulent offers.

The SCMP impersonation highlights the growing difficulty of distinguishing real news from fake. The scammers went to considerable trouble to replicate the SCMP aesthetic. They mimicked it enough to create a compelling illusion that could fool readers who don’t practice good digital hygiene.

Experts Urge Caution and Verification

Li Ka-shing, one of Hong Kong’s most well-known billionaires and the founder of CK Hutchison Holdings, has been a frequent target for scammers who use his likeness and pretend endorsements to market dubious investment schemes. Experts in media recommend that consumers verify news across multiple outlets and access information through official websites rather than clicking on links in emails, messages, or social media.

Red flags can include exaggerated claims of investment returns, claims of celebrity endorsements for specific trading platforms, or urgent calls to act and invest quickly without careful consideration.

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