The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) issued a public scam alert after receiving reports of fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens, a suspicious mobile application, and phishing instant messages associated with two banks. The alert links to the banks’ own press releases relating to The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens) and Banque Pictet & Cie SA (suspicious mobile app and phishing instant messages). The HKMA reiterated that banks will not send SMS or emails containing embedded hyperlinks directing customers to bank websites to carry out transactions, nor will they request sensitive information such as login passwords or one-time passwords by phone, email or SMS. Individuals who have provided personal information or conducted transactions in response to these scams are advised to contact the relevant bank using details in the corresponding press release and report the matter to the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force.
Hong Kong Monetary Authority 2025-07-23
Hong Kong Monetary Authority alerts public to bank-related scams involving fraudulent websites, phishing messages and a suspicious mobile app
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority issued a scam alert about fraudulent websites, internet banking login screens, a suspicious mobile app, and phishing messages linked to The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited and Banque Pictet & Cie SA. The HKMA emphasized that banks will not send messages 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's Crime Wing Information Centre.