A crowdfunding website named 'FundHK' has emerged, allegedly committing fraud and claiming associations with multiple local organizations and media outlets. In recent days, these organizations have issued public statements emphasizing their disassociation from the site. The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) has also clarified that it has no ties or partnerships with FundHK. The 'FundHK' website has posted several crowdfunding activities, using the abbreviation 'HKJC' in its promotion materials. HKJC stressed that it has no connection with FundHK or its operators and has neither authorized nor endorsed the website or its activities. The organization warned that any contrary statements have not been authorized and do not represent the organization's stance. On November 5 and 6, multiple organizations and media outlets, such as the Hong Kong Social Welfare Association, Green Earth, Mental Health Foundation, Hong Kong 01, and RTHK, issued statements stating their disassociation from the website and urged the public to avoid donations through the site. The Social Welfare Association reported the incident to the police on November 5 and reserved the right to pursue legal action. The police had marked the website as 'high-risk' on their fraud watch website, advising the public to avoid transactions or money transfers, not to disclose personal information, and to avoid clicking on links or attachments. If suspected of being scammed, the public is encouraged to report the case to the police.
The website lists multiple organizations and media outlets, including HKCSS, SCMP, RTHK, and HK01, as its partners for fundraising activities, which include tree planting and coral conservation projects. These organizations have all denied involvement, with some, like the Social Welfare Association, taking more proactive steps by filing a police report. The Hong Kong Jockey Club's clear stance and the official response from other entities underscore the importance of maintaining transparency and accountability in such partnerships to protect the public from fraud.
The Hong Kong police have emphasized the high risk associated with this site, urging the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities to avoid potential fraud. The coordinated statements from multiple organizations highlight the ongoing effort to combat such fraudulent activities and the need for public awareness and vigilance in online crowdfunding. The issue at hand raises questions about the potential misuse of brand names and the importance of verifying such partnerships to safeguard the public interest.