Hong Kong’s MPF authority flags fraudulent certificates in early pension payouts

Medical groups alert police over suspected fake certificates using doctors’ details to support early pension withdrawals on health grounds

Hong Kong’s Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority (MPFA) is stepping up efforts to detect fraudulent certificates used for early withdrawal of pension contributions after two medical groups reported suspected cases to police in recent weeks.

Responding to an inquiry from the South China Morning Post, an authority spokesman said its online platform had recently identified suspected fraud involving possibly fake medical certificates submitted to withdraw Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) contributions.

“The MPFA is deeply concerned about the use of forged medical certificates to illegally withdraw MPF early and is engaging with medical professional bodies to help further deter fraudulent fabrication,” he said.

Under the law, employees can withdraw their pension before the age of 65 under certain circumstances, including early retirement, permanent departure from Hong Kong, total incapacity for work and terminal illness with a life expectancy of less than a year.

A source familiar with the matter confirmed to the SCMP that two medical groups reported suspected cases to police on May 9 and 10, after discovering that doctors’ information had been used without authorisation in certificates supporting MPF withdrawals on grounds of permanent incapacity.

“Upon preliminary investigations, the case has been listed as usage of false instruments and handed over to the criminal investigation squad of the Central police district for follow-up,” the insider said.