The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has issued a public warning about fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens linked to The Bank of East Asia, Limited. This fraud came to the attention of the HKMA, which issued an official warning to the public about the potential risks.
Details of the fraudulent activity
According to the HKMA, fraudulent websites and login screens attempt to trick customers by pretending to be legitimate online banking services from The Bank of East Asia. The agency emphasizes that these scams are designed to extract sensitive personal information from unsuspecting users.
Advisory by HKMA
HKMA informs the public that legitimate banks, including The Bank of East Asia, do not send SMS or emails containing hyperlinks directing users to their websites for transaction purposes. Additionally, the bank will never request sensitive information such as login passwords or one-time passwords via phone, email or SMS.
Customers who suspect that they have provided personal information through a fraudulent website should immediately contact their bank using their official contact details and report the incident to the authorities. The HKMA has provided the Hong Kong Police Crime Investigation Unit Information Center contact number (2860 5012) for such reports.
Additional precautions
This warning serves as a reminder of the importance of cybersecurity vigilance. Customers are urged to verify the authenticity of communications sent by their banks and not to click on any suspicious links. The HKMA works closely with law enforcement agencies to address and mitigate these fraudulent activities.
For more information, please visit the HKMA website.
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