The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has alerted the public to a scam reported to it involving Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited, following the bank’s press release on phishing instant messages and related online fraud activity. The HKMA reiterated that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks directing customers to banks’ websites to carry out transactions, and will not request sensitive information such as login passwords or one-time passwords by phone, email or SMS. It advised anyone who has provided personal information or conducted financial transactions in response to the scams to contact the relevant bank and report the matter to the Hong Kong Police Force.
Hong Kong Monetary Authority 2025-12-15
Hong Kong Monetary Authority issues scam alert over Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) phishing instant messages
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has issued a warning regarding a scam involving Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited, linked to phishing instant messages and online fraud. The HKMA emphasized that banks will not send SMS or emails with hyperlinks for transactions or request sensitive information via phone, email, or SMS. Affected individuals are advised to contact their bank and report to the Hong Kong Police Force.