Hong Kong Monetary Authority Issues Scam Alert for Phishing Attacks on Banks

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has issued a warning to the public about a string of phishing attacks targeting several major banks in Hong Kong. The affected banks include The Bank of East Asia, Shanghai Commercial Bank, Chong Hing Bank, and The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation. The scammers are using fake websites, internet banking login screens, and phishing emails to deceive customers into providing sensitive information. The HKMA has issued a reminder that legitimate banks will never ask customers to provide login passwords or one-time passwords via phone, email, or SMS.

Key Takeaways:

• The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has issued a scam alert related to fraudulent websites, internet banking login screens, phishing emails, or other scams reported by several banks.
• The affected banks include The Bank of East Asia, Limited, Shanghai Commercial Bank Limited, Chong Hing Bank Limited, and The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited.
• Banks will never send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks to direct customers to their websites to carry out transactions.
• Scammers are using fake websites and phishing emails to deceive customers into providing sensitive information, including login passwords and one-time passwords.
• Citizens are advised to report any suspicious transactions or scams to the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.

Statistics:

• At least 4 major banks in Hong Kong have reported phishing attacks.
• The scams involve fake websites, internet banking login screens, and phishing emails.
• The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has issued a reminder to the public that banks will never ask customers to provide sensitive information via phone, email, or SMS.
• Citizens are advised to contact the relevant bank and the Crime Wing Information Centre if they have provided personal information or conducted transactions as a result of the scams.

Sources:

• Hong Kong SAR Government
• Hyperlinks to the press releases are available on the HKMA website
• The Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.