The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) issued a public scam alert after receiving reports of fraudulent websites, fake internet banking login screens, phishing instant messages and other scams linked to press releases from several banks. The alert covers The Bank of East Asia, Limited (fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens), Welab Bank Limited (fraudulent website and mobile application), 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 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 transactions in response to the scams to contact the relevant bank using the details in the bank’s press release and to report the matter to the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force.
Hong Kong Monetary Authority 2025-10-06
Hong Kong Monetary Authority issues scam alert on fraudulent bank websites and phishing messages
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) issued a scam alert about fraudulent websites, fake banking login screens, and phishing messages linked to banks like The Bank of East Asia, Welab Bank, and HSBC. HKMA stressed that banks won't send SMS or emails with 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.