Hong Kong Monetary Authority Warns Public About Impersonation Scam
Luisa Crawford Aug 27, 2024 08:44
The Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited (HKMC) alerts the public to an impersonation scam involving fake loan offers and a fraudulent website.
The Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited (HKMC) has issued a warning to the public regarding an impersonation scam, according to the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA). The alert comes after HKMC received numerous inquiries about individuals falsely claiming to offer personal loans under the 100% Personal Loan Guarantee Scheme (PLGS) and small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) loans under the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme (SFGS).
Impersonation Tactics and Fraudulent Website
Fraudsters have been contacting citizens, posing as representatives of the HKMC Group, which includes HKMC and its subsidiaries. The scammers are also operating a fraudulent website, https://noble_win_capital[.]com, which closely mimics the official HKMC website. The genuine web address for HKMC is www.hkmc.com.hk.
HKMC's Official Stance
The HKMC has clarified that these callers are not affiliated with the HKMC Group. Loans under the SFGS should be applied for through banks by SMEs in need, and the application period for the PLGS ended in April of the previous year. The HKMC Group does not engage in cold calling to offer personal loans, SME loans, or any loan application services to the public.
Public Advisory
The HKMC Group urges the public to stay vigilant against suspicious calls, websites, or other communications. If anyone receives a suspicious communication purportedly from a member of the HKMC Group, they are advised to call the HKMC’s general line at 2536 0000 or HKMC Annuity Limited’s Customer Service Hotline at 2512 5000 for verification. Those who suspect they are victims of fraudulent acts should report the incident to the police immediately.
For more information, you can visit the official source.
The Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited
27 August 2024
