The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) issued a public scam alert after receiving a report from Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited about phishing instant messages and related fraudulent websites, internet banking login screens, phishing emails or other scams. The HKMA reiterated 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 (including via embedded hyperlinks). Anyone who has provided personal information or conducted financial transactions in response to the scams should contact the relevant bank using the 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 2026-02-04
Hong Kong Monetary Authority warns of phishing instant messages impersonating Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia)
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority issued a public scam alert following reports from Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited about phishing scams involving instant messages, fraudulent websites, and emails. The HKMA emphasized that banks will not request sensitive information through SMS, email, or phone, and advised affected individuals to contact their bank and report to the Hong Kong Police Force.