Alert: Hong Kong Monetary Authority Warns of Phishing Attempts by Banks

Strategic Insights -

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has issued a warning to the public about phishing attempts by banks, specifically highlighting incidents involving The Bank of East Asia, Limited. The authority has advised members of the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks to direct customers to their websites for transactions. Furthermore, customers should never provide sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or one-time passwords, via phone, email, or SMS.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Bank of East Asia, Limited has reported fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens to the HKMA.
  • Banks in Hong Kong will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks to direct customers to their websites for transactions.
  • Customers are at risk of providing sensitive personal information, such as login passwords or one-time passwords, via phone, email, or SMS.
  • Anyone who has provided their personal information or conducted financial transactions through phishing websites or login screens should contact the bank and report the incident to the Police.
  • The HKMA has instructed banks to provide customers with contact information for reporting suspicious transactions.
  • The public is warned to be cautious of websites or login screens that request sensitive personal information.

Statistics:

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  • According to the HKMA, banks will not ask customers for sensitive personal information via phone, email, or SMS.
  • 100% of banks in Hong Kong have been alerted by the HKMA to be cautious of phishing attempts.
  • The public is advised to contact the Police by calling 2860 5012 to report any suspicious transactions.

Sources:

  • Hong Kong Monetary Authority
  • The Bank of East Asia, Limited
  • Hong Kong SAR Government