The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) alerted the public to bank-issued warnings about scams reported to the HKMA, including fraudulent websites, fake internet banking login screens, phishing emails and phishing instant messages. The alert covers The Bank of East Asia, Limited, Shanghai Commercial Bank Limited and Chong Hing Bank Limited (fraudulent website and internet banking login screen), OCBC Bank (Hong Kong) Limited (fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens), and Ant Bank (Hong Kong) Limited (phishing instant messages). The HKMA reminded the public that banks will not send SMS or emails containing embedded hyperlinks directing customers to bank websites to carry out transactions, and will not request sensitive information such as login passwords or One-Time Passwords by phone, email or SMS. Anyone who has provided personal information or conducted financial transactions in response to these scams should contact the relevant bank using details in the bank’s press release and report the matter to the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force.
Hong Kong Monetary Authority 2026-03-05
Hong Kong Monetary Authority issues scam alert on fraudulent bank websites and phishing messages affecting five banks
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) alerted about scams involving fraudulent websites, fake internet banking login screens, and phishing communications linked to banks like The Bank of East Asia, OCBC Bank (Hong Kong), and Ant Bank (Hong Kong). HKMA emphasized banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks for transactions or request sensitive information via phone, email, or SMS. Affected individuals should contact their bank and report to the Hong Kong Police Force's Crime Wing Information Centre.