The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) issued a scam alert drawing attention to press releases from several banks on reported fraudulent websites, fake internet banking login screens, phishing instant messages and related scams, with links to the bank notices made available via the HKMA website. The alert covers The Bank of East Asia, Shanghai Commercial Bank and Chong Hing Bank in relation to fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens, OCBC Bank (Hong Kong) in relation to fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens, and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) in relation to phishing instant messages. 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. The HKMA advised anyone who has provided personal information or conducted financial transactions in response to the scams to contact the relevant bank using details in the corresponding bank press release and report the matter to the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force.
Hong Kong Monetary Authority 2026-03-23
Hong Kong Monetary Authority issues scam alert after multiple banks report fraudulent websites and phishing attempts
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) issued a scam alert about fraudulent websites, fake internet banking login screens, and phishing messages linked to banks, including The Bank of East Asia and OCBC Bank (Hong Kong). The HKMA emphasized that banks will not send SMS or emails with transaction links or request sensitive information. Affected individuals should contact their bank and report to the Hong Kong Police Force.