Anti-scam and safe transactions
FAQ 1. What is HKU’s mandatory anti-scam training and when must I complete it?
Students required to take the training should complete and pass one applicable anti-scam quiz within 14 days after online master registration. Either the 2025 or 2026 version is acceptable for the 2026 intake. The training information should be checked on the official CEDARS page because the applicable version may change each year.
FAQ 2. When will the anti-scam quiz appear in Moodle?
The quiz should generally appear in Moodle one day after online master registration. If it does not appear, check that registration has been completed and then contact the designated support address with your full name and student number. Do not post those details in a public chat.
FAQ 3. I see a different number of quiz questions. Am I using the correct quiz?
Quiz length may differ between annual versions. Use the version linked through the official mandatory anti-scam training page or Moodle. For the 2026 intake, either the 2025 or 2026 quiz is acceptable and that only one quiz is required.
FAQ 4. What happens if I miss the 14-day anti-scam deadline?
Complete and pass the required quiz as soon as possible. The affected facility access would be restored within two working days after successful completion. The system should clearly identify which facilities are affected.
FAQ 5. What should I do immediately if I think I have been scammed?
Stop further payment or communication, preserve all messages, receipts and transaction details, and contact the relevant bank and the Hong Kong Police immediately. Prompt reporting may improve the chance of intercepting funds, but recovery cannot be guaranteed. Do not pay anyone who claims they can recover the money for an additional fee without verification.
FAQ 6. Can money lost through cheque or payment fraud be recovered?
Recovery is not guaranteed. Contact the bank and police immediately, provide complete transaction information and follow their instructions. The sooner the report is made, the better the chance that a transaction may be stopped or traced.
FAQ 7. What is Money Safe and can protected money still be used?
Money Safe is a scam prevention tool launched by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and retail banks for individual customers. The money placed under the bank’s protection arrangement (Money Safe) cannot be used until protection is released, including ATM withdrawals or online purchases. Students should retain enough unprotected funds for daily and emergency expenses. Activation method and coverage differ by bank, so students must check with their bank.
FAQ 8. How can I reduce scam risk when renting private accommodation?
Do not transfer money solely on the basis of online videos, map locations, screenshots, or social media messages. Verify the property, the identity and authority of the landlord or agent, the written tenancy terms and the payment destination. Whenever possible, inspect the property or arrange trusted local verification. Keep the signed agreement, payment evidence, and receipts.
FAQ 9. Should I obtain a receipt for rent payments?
Yes, retain clear evidence of every payment. Ask for a receipt showing the date, amount, property, rental period, payer and recipient. Bank-transfer records can provide supporting evidence, but they may not document the full purpose or contractual terms. Be particularly cautious if payment is requested to an individual or company not named in the tenancy agreement.
FAQ 10. Is a tenancy valid if I sign up with someone who is not the owner?
Do not assume that a person is authorised to let a property. Ask for evidence that the signatory is the owner or has authority to act for the owner, such as through an agency or company arrangement. Where there is doubt, obtain independent legal or housing advice before signing or paying.
FAQ 11. Can I use a residence address for online shopping?
Use the delivery format and collection arrangements specified by the residence. Enter your own full name as the recipient, not only the hall or college name. Check whether large items, food deliveries, or unattended parcels are restricted. Never share access credentials or ask a courier to enter resident-only areas.