The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) issued a scam alert drawing attention to bank press releases on fraudulent websites, fake internet banking login screens, phishing emails and other scams reported to the HKMA. The alert covers The Bank of East Asia, Limited and Chong Hing Bank Limited (fraudulent website and internet banking login screen) and Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd. (fraudulent website), with links to the relevant bank notices available on the HKMA website. 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, and will not request sensitive information such as login passwords or one-time passwords by phone, email or SMS, including via embedded hyperlinks. Anyone who has provided personal information or conducted financial transactions through or in response to the scams should contact the relevant bank using the 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 Authority2026-02-20
Hong Kong Monetary Authority issues scam alert on fraudulent websites targeting Bank of East Asia Chong Hing Bank and Bank Julius Baer
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) issued a scam alert about fraudulent websites, fake internet banking login screens, and phishing emails involving The Bank of East Asia, Chong Hing Bank, and Bank Julius Baer. The HKMA stressed that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks for transactions or request sensitive information via phone, email, or SMS. Affected individuals should contact the relevant bank and report to the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force.