The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) issued a public scam alert after receiving reports of fraudulent websites, fake internet banking login screens, phishing emails and other scams linked to press releases from eight banks. The affected banks are The Bank of East Asia, Shanghai Commercial Bank, Chong Hing Bank, Chiyu Banking Corporation, Bank of Communications (Hong Kong), Bank of China (Hong Kong), and The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation. 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, including via embedded hyperlinks. Individuals who have provided personal information or conducted transactions in response to the scams are advised to contact the relevant bank and report the matter to the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force.
Hong Kong Monetary Authority 2025-09-16
Hong Kong Monetary Authority warns of fraudulent bank websites and phishing scams affecting eight banks
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority issued a scam alert about fraudulent websites and phishing scams linked to press releases from eight banks, including The Bank of East Asia and Bank of China (Hong Kong). The HKMA emphasized that banks will not send communications 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.