Rebecca Moen
16 Aug 2024 12:03
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority has warned the public about phishing scams using fake instant messages related to Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has issued a public warning about phishing scams involving instant messages falsely claiming to be from Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited. According to the HKMA, these fraudulent messages have been reported to the authorities and pose a significant risk to the public.
Details of the phishing scam
The HKMA warning highlights that fraudulent messages aim to trick recipients into providing sensitive personal information such as login credentials or one-time passwords. The authority emphasizes that banks, including Bank of China (Hong Kong), do not send SMS or emails containing hyperlinks that direct customers to websites for transactions. Banks also do not request sensitive information via phone, email or SMS.
Public advice
HKMA advises anyone who receives such phishing messages and inadvertently provides personal information to contact their bank immediately using the contact details provided in the official press release. Victims should also report the incident to the Hong Kong Police Force Crime Information Centre (2860 5012).
Precautions
To prevent such fraud, HKMA urges the public to be vigilant and cautious. Individuals should contact their banks directly through official channels to verify the authenticity of messages purporting to be from their banks. They are also advised not to click on hyperlinks in unsolicited messages and regularly monitor their bank accounts for unauthorized transactions.
For further information, please refer to the official press release on the HKMA website.
Hong Kong Monetary Authority
August 15, 2024
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