The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has issued a public alert regarding phishing scams involving instant messages that falsely claim to be from Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited. According to the HKMA, these fraudulent messages have been reported to the authority and pose a significant risk to the public.

Details of the Phishing Scam

The HKMA’s warning highlights that the deceptive messages aim to trick recipients into providing sensitive personal information, such as login credentials or One-Time Passwords. The authority stresses that banks, including Bank of China (Hong Kong), do not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks directing customers to their websites for transactions. Furthermore, banks will never request sensitive information through phone, email, or SMS.

Public Advisory

The HKMA advises anyone who has received such phishing messages and inadvertently provided personal information to contact the bank immediately using the contact details provided in the official press release. Additionally, victims should report the incident to the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.

Preventive Measures

To protect against such scams, the HKMA urges the public to remain vigilant and cautious. Individuals should verify the authenticity of any message claiming to be from a bank by contacting the bank directly through official channels. It is also recommended to avoid clicking on hyperlinks in unsolicited messages and to regularly monitor bank accounts for any unauthorized transactions.

For more detailed information, the official press release can be accessed on the HKMA website.

Hong Kong Monetary Authority
15 August 2024

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