Join the WhatsApp property list for Hong Kong property updates. Join the property list ↗
Hong Kong’s privacy watchdog is investigating data breach reports involving Hong Kong Airlines and online retailer Yoho after hundreds of their customers received suspected scam calls.
The incidents involved 815 Hong Kong Airlines passengers and 790 Yoho customers, a total of 1,605 people, according to reports on the Privacy Commissioner’s findings. Callers reportedly cited personal information connected to their flights or purchases.
For the airline passengers, the information potentially involved included names, phone numbers and flight details. For Yoho customers, it included names, phone numbers and delivery information.
The figures refer to people reported to have received suspected scam calls. They should not be treated as a confirmed total of all records exposed while investigations continue.
Separate Broadway report
The privacy watchdog has also received a separate data breach report from Broadway Photo Supply. The number of Broadway customers potentially affected has not been included in the 1,605 figure.
The incidents highlight how callers can use accurate personal details to make a fraudulent approach sound convincing. Customers who receive an unexpected call about a flight, delivery or refund should contact the company independently using the details on its official website or app before acting.
The causes and extent of the incidents remain under investigation.
