The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has issued a warning to the public regarding a fraudulent website and phishing emails associated with Public Bank (Hong Kong) Limited. This alert aims to protect consumers from potential scams, as reported by the HKMA.

Details of the Fraudulent Activities

According to the HKMA, the fraudulent website and phishing emails have been reported and are under investigation. The HKMA has provided a hyperlink to the press release on their official website for further details. The authority emphasizes that legitimate banks will never send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks directing customers to the bank’s website for transactions. Additionally, they will not solicit sensitive personal information such as login passwords or One-Time Passwords (OTP) via phone, email, or SMS.

Consumer Advisory

The HKMA advises anyone who has shared personal information or conducted financial transactions through the fraudulent website or in response to the phishing emails to immediately contact Public Bank (Hong Kong) Limited using the contact information provided in the press release. Furthermore, victims should report the incident to the Hong Kong Police Force’s Crime Wing Information Centre at 2860 5012.

The HKMA’s alert underscores the importance of vigilance and caution in dealing with unsolicited communications that request personal or financial information. Consumers are urged to verify the authenticity of such communications by directly contacting their banks through official channels.

Related Incidents

This warning comes amid a rising trend of phishing scams and fraudulent activities targeting banking customers globally. Financial institutions and regulatory authorities continuously remind the public to be aware of these threats and to take necessary precautions to protect their personal and financial information.

For more information, visit the HKMA website.

Image source: Shutterstock