The Home Affairs Department said the instant messaging application account of a sub-district care team in Kowloon City was suspected to have been hacked, possibly causing the leakage of 23 service users' personal data.

The care team’s operating organisation has reported to Police, notified the Kowloon City District Office (KCDO) and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, as well as informed the service users affected immediately to remind them to be vigilant.

The operating organisation of the Sheung Lok Sub-district Care Team – Homantin Residents Association – reported the incident to the KCDO yesterday evening.

The 23 service users’ personal data, including their names, telephone numbers and addresses, may have been exposed. It may also involve seven of the individuals' full or partial Hong Kong identity card numbers.

If anyone suspects a person impersonating a member of the Sheung Lok Sub-district Care Team, they may contact the care team concerned, the KCDO or call 182 111 to verify the person's identity. In case of suspicious circumstances, call Police’s 24-hour Anti-Scam Helpline 18222.

The KCDO apologises to those affected for any inconvenience caused. It has set up a hotline 2712 9182 for enquiries.

Members of the public may visit the care teams' dedicated webpage to learn about the anti-fraud measures.

The Home Affairs Department said care teams will never ask members of the public for bank account numbers.

It added that members and volunteers of care teams will wear care team uniforms and display care team member or volunteer certificates of identity when providing services.

The KCDO has issued a letter to the care team concerned, requesting it to heighten vigilance and strengthen security measures, as well as to continue to handle and keep personal data confidential strictly according to the guidelines.

The Home Affairs Department has also reminded all care teams accordingly.

The Sheung Lok Sub-district Care Team is reviewing and will further strengthen its security measures.