Connect with us

Technology

Whoscall, GASA and Mastercard Release the 2026 Asia Scam Report: Hong Kong

Published

on

More Than 80% of Hong Kong Respondents Encountered Scams; Phone Calls and SMS Remain the Leading Channels and bank account transfers by scammers is significantly above the Asia average at 43%

Impersonation Scams Are the Most Common, While More Than 60% of Victims Have Been Scammed More Than Once

HONG KONG, Oct. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA), Whoscall, the anti-scam app developed by TrustTech company Gogolook, and Mastercard have jointly released the 2026 Asia Scam Report: Hong Kong. The report examines how people in Hong Kong encounter scams, the tactics scammers use, how victims are asked to pay, and the effects of being scammed. It finds that 81% of respondents encountered a scam in the past year, while 48% interacted with a scammer. Phone calls and SMS remain the most common points of contact, and WhatsApp leads among individual digital platforms.

81% Encountered Scams; 27% of Victims Were Scammed Five Times

According to the report, 81% of Hong Kong respondents encountered a scam in the past year. Nearly half (48%) interacted with a scammer; 21% lost money following an interaction, and 14% provided personal information. The risk also extends to younger people: 33% of parents surveyed said their underage children had been scammed.

Among respondents who had been scammed, approximately 63% had been victimized more than once. More than a quarter (27%) said they had been scammed five times, while another 6% reported more than five incidents. These findings point to the need for continued support after an initial scam, including guidance that helps victims recognize and avoid subsequent attempts.

“One of the most striking findings in Hong Kong is the gap between confidence and vulnerability. While 76% of adults believe they can recognize a scam, nearly half of those exposed still interacted with one. Awareness is important, but consumers cannot be expected to carry the burden alone. Stronger prevention and intervention across the scam journey are essential,” said Brian D. Hanley, Chapter Director Asia-Pacific, Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA).

Jeff Kuo, Co-founder and CEO of Gogolook, said: “Scams now reach people through everyday channels, from phone calls and texts to messaging apps. More than 60% of scam victims in Hong Kong have been scammed more than once, highlighting the need for continued scam prevention education. Through our work with GASA, we hope to turn these findings into greater awareness and stronger protection. Gogolook will keep improving its technology to help people identify scams.”

Rajat Maheshwari, GASA Inaugural Chapter Chair and Senior Vice President, Strategic Growth (AP), Mastercard shared, “Hong Kong has put in place a strong range of measures to combat scams, offering valuable learnings for markets around the world. As scams continue to evolve, the GASA report highlights the opportunity to build on this progress through deeper collaboration across the wider ecosystem, supported by technology and a greater focus on preventive and behavior-based measures. Continued public-private partnership will be essential to staying ahead of emerging threats and helping protect people from scam-related losses.”

Top Three Scam Channels Revealed; WhatsApp Leads Digital Platforms at Nearly 70%

Phone calls (59%) and SMS (52%) were the channels through which Hong Kong respondents most commonly encountered scams, followed by messaging apps (47%) and email (41%). Compared with 2025, the share reporting scam contact by phone was unchanged, SMS fell by two percentage points, and messaging apps rose by four percentage points. The report also found that around 80% of scam contact occurred on platforms with private messaging capabilities, underscoring the need to scrutinize suspicious requests that move from calls or texts into private conversations.

Among individual digital platforms, WhatsApp ranked first at 68%. Hong Kong Police recently reported receiving around 50 cases of WhatsApp account hijacking in the first week of October, with losses totaling nearly HK$20 million. Many of the cases involved cryptocurrency or investment pretexts. Gmail (32%) and Facebook (28%) followed WhatsApp, while Instagram (22%) and Telegram (17%) also featured prominently. Whoscall advises people to verify a contact through a separate, trusted channel, even when a message arrives on a familiar platform or appears to come from a friend, business or public agency.

Impersonation Encountered by Over 80% of Respondents, Followed by Investment and Shopping Scams

Impersonation was the most widely encountered scam type, reported by 81% of Hong Kong respondents; 17% had interacted with someone carrying out such a scam. Scammers may pose as Hong Kong Police, the Department of Health or mainland law enforcement officials, claim that a person is implicated in a crime, and demand passwords or access to assets for a purported investigation. Others may impersonate banks, major telecommunications providers or online shopping platforms, using claims of account problems or order cancellations to obtain personal information, passwords or remote access to a device.

Investment scams followed at 78%, while shopping scams reached 71%. Respectively, 17% and 16% of respondents had interacted with scammers using these approaches. Other commonly encountered schemes included prize scams (68%), fake invoice scams (64%), identity theft (62%) and romance scams (61%). In addition, 55% had encountered offers claiming to help recover money lost to a scam. Such approaches warrant particular caution from people who have already suffered a loss.

Bank Transfers Are the Most Common Payment Method; Harm Extends Beyond Financial Loss

Among respondents who paid a scammer, 43% did so by bank transfer, above the Asia-wide average of 36%. Mobile payment apps and credit cards each accounted for 25%, followed by e-wallets at 24%. Physical or digital gift cards, cash, and payment tools within websites each accounted for 21%. The trend shows scammers favor immediate and irrevocable payment methods that increase in abuse rates in Hong Kong. This will require more advance interventions to secure these immediate payment rails in Hong Kong.

The report also examined the broader effects of scams on people in Hong Kong. Beyond financial loss, 33% said the experience had damaged their confidence and caused them to question themselves, 28% worried about being scammed again, and 23% had become less trusting of the internet or digital tools. The effects reached into daily life: 23% needed financial help from friends or family, and another 23% reported a greater need to borrow money. Both figures exceeded the Asia-wide averages.

When faced with a suspicious message or request, Whoscall recommends pausing before taking action and checking the sender’s identity using information from an official website. Anti-scam tools can also help assess unfamiliar numbers, links and messages. Anyone who has been scammed should seek help from the relevant authorities or organizations promptly and remain alert to subsequent offers to recover their money, which may be another scam attempt.

To help people navigate changing scam tactics, Whoscall offers more than caller identification. Its Check feature lets users assess suspicious phone numbers, URLs and screenshots in one place. Whether they receive an unfamiliar message or a promotional email, users can upload a screenshot or photograph a physical flyer for an AI-powered assessment of potential risks. They can also share the results with friends and family, helping others recognize suspicious content before they engage with it.

The full 2026 Asia Scam Report – Hong Kong is available on the GASA website:
https://gasa.org/knowledge-base?content_group=318467252980&page=1

For more information about the Global Anti-Scam Summit Asia 2026, visit:
https://events.gasa.org/gass-asia-2026

About Whoscall

The Whoscall app, a digital anti-scam tool, is designed to protect users across various scenarios from scams and spams, including phone calls, text messages, and links. With over 100 million downloads worldwide, it boasts the most comprehensive database in East and Southeast Asia, encompassing over 2.6 billion phone numbers, and collects data from partner ScamAdviser to form a leading digital anti-scam database. The Whoscall team has been dedicated to developing anti-scam technology for over a decade, employing AI to analyze and simulate the patterns of scam groups, proactively preventing the spread of scams. At the same time, Whoscall actively engages in building a community collaboration mechanism with its users, playing a role with societal impact in digital anti-scam services from educational initiatives, cross-sector collaboration to product innovation. Recognized and chosen for partnerships by the Taiwan National Police Agency, Thai Royal Police and NCSA, Royal Malaysia Police and CyberSecurity Malaysia, the Philippines Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center, Financial Supervisory Service of South Korea, and local governments in Japan.

For more information, please refer to: https://whoscall.com/en

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/whoscall-gasa-and-mastercard-release-the-2026-asia-scam-report-hong-kong-302921783.html

SOURCE Whoscall; Gogolook

Continue Reading

Technology

KSAT and Morehead State University Partner to Expand Lunar Communications Infrastructure

Published

on

By

Partnership strengthens the KSAT Lunar Network and supports deep space and lunar exploration

DENVER and MOREHEAD, Ky., Oct. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT), a leading provider of ground station networks and satellite operations, today announced a strategic partnership with Morehead State University (MSU) to enhance the KSAT Lunar Network, supporting the growing demand for communications and tracking services for deep space and lunar missions.

The partnership leverages MSU Space Science Center’s established deep space communications capabilities, including its 21-meter and 12-meter-class antennas in Morehead, Kentucky, to further increase the KSAT Lunar Network. Together, the partnership enables mission operators to maintain reliable links with spacecraft operating beyond Earth orbit by adding network capacity and resiliency over the Eastern United States.

“Partnering with MSU advances KSAT’s ability to deliver the communications infrastructure required for the accelerated demand for deep space and lunar missions. We are especially thrilled about this partnership as it helps enable science and exploration space missions today, while developing the next-generation workforce to support the long-term development of the U.S. cislunar economy,” said Dan Adams, General Manager of KSAT Inc.

“This partnership reflects our commitment to supporting the future of space exploration through innovation, education, and collaboration,” said Dr. Benjamin K. Malphrus, Executive Director of Space Science Center. “Working with KSAT provides exciting opportunities for our students and researchers while enabling us to contribute directly to the thriving commercial sector.”

KSAT and MSU share a strong commitment and heritage of supporting NASA’s Artemis program, most recently the Artemis II mission, and the broader science and exploration, as well as inspiring the next generation. In addition to expanding KSAT Lunar capabilities, the partnership will create even more opportunities for student involvement and workforce development through KSAT’s internship programs, helping prepare the next generation of engineers and space professionals for careers in the rapidly growing space sector.

About KSAT:

Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT) is the leading commercial provider of Ground Station Services, Earth Observation Services, and Satellite Operations Services. Headquartered in Tromsø, Norway, the company operates the largest commercial satellite ground station network worldwide, including facilities in Svalbard and Antarctica to provide unique southern hemisphere coverage. Through KSAT Inc., KSAT’s U.S. based full-capability subsidiary, KSAT delivers mission-critical infrastructure for customers in government, civil, and commercial space in the United States, as well as the global space industry. 

About MSU:
Morehead State University (MSU) is a comprehensive, regional university located in Appalachian Kentucky in the Daniel Boone National Forest. MSU is known for excellence in STEM fields and pre-professional programs. The Space Science Center is MSU’s Program of Distinction and manages a significant research and development portfolio in small satellite systems, having executed 7 smallsat missions to date. The Center operates a 21-meter ground station and a 12-meter tracking antenna that provides lunar tracking services and smaller aperture ground stations for satellite telecommunications support. The Center also supports innovative undergraduate, graduate and a Doctor of Engineering program in Space Systems Engineering.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ksat-and-morehead-state-university-partner-to-expand-lunar-communications-infrastructure-302925397.html

Continue Reading

Technology

Millennium Dental Technologies and Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry Mourn Passing of Professor Raymond A. Yukna, DMD, MS (1942-2026)

Published

on

By

CERRITOS, Calif., Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — It is with profound sadness that Millennium Dental Technologies and the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry (IALD) mourn the passing of Professor Raymond A. Yukna, DMD, MS, world-renowned clinician, educator, researcher, mentor and cherished friend.

Throughout a remarkable career spanning academia, research, clinical practice and education, Dr. Yukna earned the admiration of colleagues worldwide for his unwavering commitment to scientific inquiry, clinical excellence and the advancement of patient care.

A Diplomate of both the American Board of Periodontology and the American Board of Oral Medicine, Professor of Advanced Periodontal Therapies at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine, Professor Emeritus at Louisiana State University, internationally recognized lecturer, and respected researcher, Dr. Yukna devoted his life to advancing the field of periodontics. His contributions helped shape modern periodontal therapy and influenced generations of clinicians, educators, and researchers worldwide.

His reputation for integrity, scientific rigor and thoughtful leadership made him one of the most trusted and respected voices in the specialty.

A DEFINING CHAPTER IN THE HISTORY OF THE LANAP® PROTOCOL

Dr. Yukna brought credibility, intellectual curiosity and scientific discipline that would help shape the future of the LANAP® protocol, a minimally invasive laser treatment for the treatment of moderate to severe periodontal disease. He engaged in thoughtful dialogue with Millennium Dental Technologies Co-Founders Robert H. Gregg II, DDS, and Delwin K. McCarthy, DDS, regarding the emerging science behind laser-assisted periodontal regeneration.

His groundbreaking research provided some of the earliest and most influential human histological evidence supporting the LANAP® protocol. Beginning with his International Association for Dental Research (IADR) abstract in 2003, followed by the submission of his landmark study to the International Journal of Periodontics and Restorative Dentistry (IJPRD) in 2006 and its publication in 2007, Dr. Yukna produced research that became a defining milestone in the scientific validation of the LANAP® protocol. His work demonstrated cementum-mediated new connective tissue attachment in humans and provided the periodontal community with compelling evidence supporting the protocol’s regenerative potential.

At a time when laser periodontal therapy was met with understandable skepticism by many within the specialty, Dr. Yukna’s willingness to objectively evaluate the science—and ultimately contribute his own landmark research—gave the LANAP® protocol a level of scientific credibility that helped change its trajectory. Many periodontists first embraced the LANAP® protocol because they trusted Dr. Yukna’s scientific integrity and respected his commitment to evidence-based dentistry.

His landmark study opened the door to broader acceptance of the LANAP® protocol within periodontics and laid the foundation for additional human histological studies, expanded university research efforts, and more than two decades of continued scientific investigation. The growing body of evidence supporting the LANAP® protocol today owes much to the foundation Dr. Yukna helped establish.

A TEACHER WHO SHAPED A GENERATION

Dr. Yukna’s influence extended far beyond the published literature. As an IALD Certified Instructor, he became one of the most influential educators in the history of the LANAP® protocol. He served as hands-on clinical instructor for approximately 350 LANAP-trained clinicians and lectured at roughly 130 Laser BootCamps™, helping educate well over 1,000 clinicians throughout his years with the IALD and Millennium Dental Technologies.

From the Denver BootCamps™ held during his tenure at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine to sessions conducted throughout New York and, later, at the facility in Cerritos, Dr. Yukna’s lectures, mentorship and quiet confidence inspired countless clinicians. His generosity in sharing his knowledge, his thoughtful guidance and his commitment to excellence helped shape the careers of an entire generation of LANAP clinicians.

A CHERISHED FRIEND

Beyond his extraordinary professional accomplishments was an even more extraordinary person. For Robert H. Gregg II, DDS and Dawn Gregg, DDS, Dr. Yukna and his wife, Charlotte, were not simply respected colleagues, they were dear friends. Over many years, they shared milestones, celebrated successes, supported one another through challenges and built a friendship that extended far beyond dentistry. In fact, when Dr. Robert Gregg and Dr. Dawn Gregg began their lives together as a couple, Dr. Yukna and Charlotte were among the very first people they chose to tell in person—reflecting the trust, respect and affection they shared.

Those privileged to know Dr. Yukna personally will remember far more than his curriculum vitae. They will remember his humility, kindness, generosity, wisdom, quiet confidence and unwavering integrity. He challenged those around him to pursue excellence, to follow the science wherever it led, and to never lose sight of the patients whose lives could be changed through innovation grounded in evidence.

HIS LEGACY LIVES ON

The LANAP® community, the periodontal profession, the IALD and the entire Millennium Dental Technologies family are better because of Dr. Yukna’s contributions.

His legacy lives on through the science he advanced, the clinicians he trained, the patients whose lives were improved by his work, and the countless colleagues and friends he inspired throughout his remarkable career.

Millennium Dental Technologies and the IALD extends deepest condolences to Charlotte and Dr. Yukna’s family, friends, colleagues, students and all those whose lives he touched.

Thank you, Dr. Yukna, for your leadership, your scholarship, your mentorship, your friendship, and your unwavering belief that scientific excellence could improve the lives of patients around the world.

ABOUT MILLENNIUM DENTAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

Headquartered in Cerritos, Calif., Millennium Dental Technologies is the developer of the LANAP protocol for treating periodontal disease and the manufacturer of the PerioLase MVP-7 variable-pulsed Nd:YAG dental laser. The company’s FDA-cleared LANAP protocol offers a more comfortable, less invasive alternative to conventional periodontal surgery while providing unique bone-building clinical results. Founding clinician Robert H. Gregg II, DDS, continues to lead the company with a vision to create better clinical outcomes for patients with periodontal disease while remaining true to its guiding principle: “It’s all about the patient.” For more information, visit www.lanap.com.

ABOUT THE INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED LASER DENTISTRY

The Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry is a nonprofit educational and research organization dedicated to advancing evidence-based clinical training in laser dentistry. Established in 1999, the IALD is nationally recognized for its continuing education programs as an ADA Continuing Education Recognition Program and Academy of General Dentistry Program Approval for Continuing Education provider. For more information, visit www.theiald.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/millennium-dental-technologies-and-institute-for-advanced-laser-dentistry-mourn-passing-of-professor-raymond-a-yukna-dmd-ms-1942-2026-302925319.html

SOURCE Millennium Dental Technologies, Inc.

Continue Reading

Technology

Okta Set to Join S&P 500; Others to Join S&P MidCap 400 and S&P SmallCap 600

Published

on

By

NEW YORK, Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — S&P Dow Jones Indices will make the following changes to the S&P 500, S&P MidCap 400, S&P SmallCap 600 effective prior to the opening of trading on Wednesday, November 4:

S&P MidCap 400 constituent Okta Inc. (NASD: OKTA) will replace Kenvue Inc. (NYSE: KVUE) in the S&P 500, S&P SmallCap 600 constituent Glaukos Corp. (NYSE: GKOS) will replace Okta in the S&P MidCap 400, and McGrath RentCorp (NASD: MGRC) will replace Glaukos in the S&P SmallCap 600. S&P 500 constituent Kimberly-Clark (NASD: KMB) is acquiring Kenvue in a deal expected to be completed soon, pending final closing conditions.Loar Holdings Inc. (NYSE: LOAR) will replace LiveRamp Holdings Inc. (NYSE: RAMP) in the S&P SmallCap 600. Publicis Groupe SA (Euronext Paris: PUB) is acquiring LiveRamp Holdings in a deal expected to close soon, pending final closing conditions.

Following is a summary of the changes that will take place prior to the open of trading on the effective date:

Effective Date

Index Name 

Action

Company Name

Ticker

GICS Sector

Nov 4, 2026

S&P 500

Addition

Okta

OKTA

Information Technology

Nov 4, 2026

S&P 500

Deletion

Kenvue

KVUE

Consumer Staples

Nov 4, 2026

S&P MidCap 400

Addition

Glaukos

GKOS

Health Care

Nov 4, 2026

S&P MidCap 400

Deletion

Okta

OKTA

Information Technology

Nov 4, 2026

S&P SmallCap 600

Addition

McGrath RentCorp

MGRC

Industrials

Nov 4, 2026

S&P SmallCap 600

Deletion

Glaukos

GKOS

Health Care

Nov 4, 2026

S&P SmallCap 600

Addition

Loar Holdings

LOAR

Industrials

Nov 4, 2026

S&P SmallCap 600

Deletion

LiveRamp Holdings

RAMP

Information Technology

ABOUT S&P DOW JONES INDICES

S&P Dow Jones Indices is the largest global resource for essential index-based concepts, data and research, and home to iconic financial market indicators, such as the S&P 500® and the Dow Jones Industrial Average®. More assets are invested in products based on our indices than products based on indices from any other provider in the world. Since Charles Dow invented the first index in 1884, S&P DJI has been innovating and developing indices across the spectrum of asset classes helping to define the way investors measure and trade the markets.

S&P Dow Jones Indices is a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI), which provides essential intelligence for individuals, companies, and governments to make decisions with confidence. For more information, visit www.spglobal.com/spdji/en/. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

S&P Dow Jones Indices
index_services@spglobal.com

Media Inquiries
spdji.comms@spglobal.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/okta-set-to-join-sp-500-others-to-join-sp-midcap-400-and-sp-smallcap-600-302925405.html

SOURCE S&P Dow Jones Indices

Continue Reading

Trending