The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) issued a scam alert highlighting bank press releases on fraudulent websites, fake internet banking login screens, phishing messages and other scams that have been reported to the HKMA, with links to the relevant bank notices made available on the HKMA website. The alert covers The Bank of East Asia, Limited and Shanghai Commercial Bank Limited (fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens), and Banque Pictet & Cie SA (fraudulent websites, social media accounts, mobile applications and phishing instant messages). The HKMA reminded the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with 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. Individuals who have provided personal information or conducted transactions in response to the relevant scams should contact the bank concerned using the details in the corresponding bank press release and report the matter to the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force.
Hong Kong Monetary Authority 2026-02-25
Hong Kong Monetary Authority issues scam alert on fraudulent bank websites and phishing affecting three banks
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) issued a scam alert about fraudulent websites, fake internet banking login screens, and phishing messages involving The Bank of East Asia, Limited, Shanghai Commercial Bank Limited, and Banque Pictet & Cie SA. HKMA emphasized banks will not send SMS or emails with hyperlinks for transactions or request sensitive information via phone, email, or SMS. Affected individuals should contact the relevant bank and report to the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force.