31% of scam victims calling Hong Kong helpline had possible suicidal tendencies

Nearly a third of scam victims who sought counselling through a Hong Kong welfare group’s crisis hotlines last year had possible suicidal tendencies, according to a study by the organisation. The Caritas Family Crisis Support Centre said on Sunday that its hotline service handled 3,983 debt-related cases in 2025, with more than 31 per cent involving individuals at risk of suicide and requiring crisis intervention. “Many who fall victim to scams feel shame and guilt,” the centre said in its...