14th February 2025 – (Hong Kong) The Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) in Hong Kong is investigating reports of fraudulent SMS messages that mimic certified senders by using the “#” symbol as a prefix in the sender’s name. The issue comes just months after the launch of a new SMS Sender Registration Scheme, implemented in late 2023 to help users identify verified senders and reduce the risk of scams.
Under the scheme, which began on 28th December 2023, registered companies and institutions—such as telecommunications providers, banks, and government departments—are required to include the “#” symbol at the start of their sender name for SMS communications. The initiative aims to distinguish certified messages from potential scams. OFCA has advised the public to remain vigilant when receiving SMS messages that lack the “#” prefix or display a phone number as the sender. Users are warned not to share personal or financial information or click on links in suspicious messages.
Despite these measures, recent reports indicate that some fraudulent SMS messages have managed to incorporate the “#” prefix, raising concerns about possible misuse of the system. OFCA has reportedly alerted law enforcement to the issue.
Francis Fong Po-kiu, honorary president of the Hong Kong Information Technology Federation, suggested that the scams may involve the use of “fake base stations.” These illegal wireless devices, often concealed in vehicles, can transmit fraudulent or promotional messages to nearby mobile phones. Fong noted that such equipment is highly mobile and difficult to detect, allowing perpetrators to operate discreetly.

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