The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) issued a public scam alert following reports of fraudulent websites, fake internet banking login screens and phishing messages linked to press releases from five banks. The alert covers The Bank of East Asia, Limited, Shanghai Commercial Bank Limited, Chong Hing Bank Limited, OCBC Bank (Hong Kong) Limited and ZA Bank Limited. Across the cases, the reported scams include fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens for four banks and phishing instant messages for ZA Bank Limited. The HKMA reiterated that banks will not send SMS or emails containing 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. Anyone who has provided personal information or conducted financial transactions in response to the scams is advised to contact the relevant bank and report the matter to the Hong Kong Police Force.
Hong Kong Monetary Authority 2025-11-13
Hong Kong Monetary Authority issues scam alert on fraudulent bank websites and phishing messages affecting five banks
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority issued a scam alert about fraudulent websites, fake internet banking login screens, and phishing messages linked to five banks, including The Bank of East Asia and ZA Bank Limited. The HKMA emphasized that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks for transactions or request sensitive information via phone, email, or SMS. Affected individuals should contact their bank and report to the Hong Kong Police Force.