The Investor and Financial Education Council (IFEC) is pleased to join hands with global counterparts in the global anti-scam campaign initiated by the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO)¹ to combat relationship investment scams. 

It is estimated that relationship investment scams have caused the loss of tens of billions of dollars globally. In Hong Kong, it is reported that there was a total loss of around HKD562 million in 2024² as a result of romance scams. 

Organised by the IOSCO Committee on Retail Investors (Committee 8), this global campaign runs from 11 to 14 February 2026 with the aim to alert and inform investors about the warning signs of relationship investment scams, empowering them with the information they need to protect themselves.

As a public organisation committed to enhancing investor and financial education in Hong Kong, the IFEC recognises the growing risks posed by investment scams. Educating the public to understand the tactics in order to combat different kinds of financial scams remains one of our major priorities in our investor and financial education efforts.

IFEC General Manager Ms Dora Li, who is a member of the IOSCO Committee 8, said, “The IFEC is happy to join hands with our global counterparts to launch the IOSCO global campaign to combat relationship investment scams, raising awareness among the public of the scammers’ tactics, and equipping them with simple red flags to identify scammers and protect themselves from such scams.”

Red flags to watch out for include: 

• The relationship moves too fast, with the new friend declaring strong feelings at an early stage of the relationship.
• The scammer may use different excuses to avoid video calls or meeting in person.
• The scammer may ask for money or talk about investments – a legitimate love interest would not ask for money, especially for an "investment opportunity" early in the relationship.
• The scammer may want the victim to use a specific, often unknown, trading platform, where the "investments" will appear to grow rapidly, encouraging the victim to put in more and more money.
• The scammer may pressure the victim to act quickly, creating a sense of urgency to avoid missing out on the investment opportunity.

Ms Li added, “Pure love is supposed to be unconditional, selfless, and untainted by personal gain, focusing on the well-being of the beloved. Unfortunately, scammers often take advantage of these values and lure victims into investment scams. As the Valentines’ Day is approaching, we encourage the public to evaluate their romantic relationships, especially virtual ones, to ensure they are not falling prey to scammers. It will also be helpful if we can check on our friends and relatives and provide them with these red flags to check if their romantic relationships may be possible scams to combat these relationship scammers.”

Anti-financial scam campaign for a safer community

Throughout February 2026, the IFEC is launching a campaign featuring resources designed to highlight prevalent scam tactics. To increase resonance with the community, the campaign will feature visually engaging social media content in various formats such as animated videos and feed posts, alongside informative articles, anti-scam online quizzes and games, and the IFEC FinEd Hub. By presenting common scam tactics in a relatable and engaging way, our campaign aims to raise awareness and provide practical tips to help the public avoid scams and cultivate informed investing and financial decisions.

Key campaign resources include:

• A series of informative articles and social media feeds illustrating common scam scenarios and practical preventive tips for the public to consider when making friends online, supplemented by e-newsletters to promote to a wider audience.
• A dedicated “Scam” portal on the IFEC website, featuring resources, tools, and practical tips to help the public identify red flags and take preventive action.
• Interactive resources such as the Investment Behaviour Personality Quiz, the Anti-Scam Online Quiz, “One Day Adventure with Grandparents Chin (in Chinese) anti-scam game, “Money-verse” online game, and immersive experience and interactive games available at the IFEC FinEd Hub – all designed to cultivate positive financial attitude and behaviour. 

To stay updated on the latest scam tactics and practical tips to guard against financial scams, follow the “IFEC Chin Family” Facebook, Instagram and YouTube pages (@ifec.chinfamily).

¹ IOSCO is an international body of securities regulators whose membership regulates over 95% of the world’s securities markets in more than 130 jurisdictions. Click here to visit IOSCO’s Relationship Investment Scams Campaign page.

² Source: Anti-Deception Coordination Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force.
https://www.adcc.gov.hk/en-hk/statistic.html

Images and captions:

IFEC’s social media feeds remind the public to be aware of relationship investment scams.

• 1. Social media feed “Making friends online? Beware of scammers who may use artificial technology to alter their appearance and deceive you!”
• 2. Social media feed “Looking for true love online? Watch out for fake relationships and real investment scams!”

3. IFEC General Manager Ms Dora Li