The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) published an alert drawing attention to bank press releases on reported scams involving fraudulent websites, fake internet banking login screens and phishing instant messages. The reported incidents relate to The Bank of East Asia, Limited, Shanghai Commercial Bank Limited and Chong Hing Bank Limited (fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens), and The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (phishing instant messages). The HKMA reiterated that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks directing customers to bank websites to conduct transactions, and will not request sensitive information such as login passwords or One-Time Passwords by phone, email or SMS, including via embedded hyperlinks. Individuals who may have disclosed personal information or conducted transactions in response to the scams are 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 2026-02-24
Hong Kong Monetary Authority issues scam alert covering fraudulent bank websites and phishing messages
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority alerted about scams with fraudulent websites, fake banking login screens, and phishing messages targeting banks like The Bank of East Asia and HSBC. The HKMA stressed banks won't send messages with transaction hyperlinks or request sensitive information via phone, email, or SMS. Affected individuals should contact their bank and report to the Hong Kong Police Force.