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Welfare recipients urged to watch out for tricksters
The Social Welfare Department (SWD) today (Sunday) urged recipients of welfare assistance, the elderly in particular, to watch out for tricksters.
A spokesman for the department said no money would be demanded from SWD staff in the process of applying for Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) and Social Security Allowance (SSA).
"It has been found that elderly people receiving CSSA or SSA could easily fall prey to impostors who claimed to be officers of the SWD or volunteers.
"These unruly elements usually gained access into the premises of the elderly, victims and then robbed them of their money.
"We urge members of the public, including CSSA and SSA recipients, to be on guard against tricksters. They should check for the departmental identity cards of visitors who claim to be SWD staff," the spokesman said.
He stressed that the services of processing CSSA and SSA applications were entirely free of charge and any demand for money should be brought to the attention of the SWD or the Police for follow-up investigations.
To arouse public awareness, posters advising welfare recipients to beware of tricksters have been put up at the SWD's 32 social security field units throughout the territory.
"In case of doubt, members of the public can call the nearest social security field unit or the SWD hotline 2343 2255," he added.
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