The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has issued a scam alert after receiving reports from five banks about fraudulent websites, fake internet banking login screens and other phishing-related scams. The alert covers The Bank of East Asia, Limited, Shanghai Commercial Bank Limited, OCBC Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, Industrial Bank Co., Ltd., and Chong Hing Bank Limited. The HKMA reiterated that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks directing customers to bank websites for transactions, nor request sensitive information such as login passwords or One-Time Passwords by phone, email or SMS. Anyone who has provided personal information or conducted transactions in response to the scams is advised to contact the relevant bank and report the matter to the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force.
Hong Kong Monetary Authority 2026-01-19
Hong Kong Monetary Authority warns of fraudulent bank websites and phishing scams affecting five banks
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority issued a scam alert following reports from five banks about fraudulent websites and phishing scams, emphasizing that banks will not request sensitive information via SMS, email, or phone. Affected individuals should contact their bank and report to the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force.