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 related scams referenced in press releases published by certain banks, with links to those bank notices made available via the HKMA website. The alert covers The Bank of East Asia, Limited, Shanghai Commercial Bank Limited and Chong Hing Bank Limited in relation to fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens, and Ant Bank (Hong Kong) Limited in relation to phishing instant messages. The HKMA reminded the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks directing customers to bank websites to carry out transactions, nor request sensitive information such as login passwords or one-time passwords by phone, email or SMS. Anyone who has provided personal information or conducted transactions in response to the scams was advised to contact the relevant bank and report the matter to the Hong Kong Police Force.
Hong Kong Monetary Authority 2026-03-18
Hong Kong Monetary Authority warns of fraudulent bank websites and phishing affecting customers of four banks
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority issued a scam alert regarding fraudulent websites, fake internet banking login screens, and phishing messages linked to several banks, including The Bank of East Asia and Ant Bank (Hong Kong). The HKMA emphasized that banks will not send SMS or emails with links for transactions or request sensitive information. Affected individuals are advised to contact their bank and report to the Hong Kong Police Force.