Hong Kong Monetary Authority Warns of Fraudulent Bank of China (Hong Kong) Websites

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has issued a cautionary notice to the public regarding fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens associated with Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited. This alert follows reports received by the HKMA concerning these deceptive platforms, as stated in a recent press release from the bank.

Fraudulent Activities Identified

According to the HKMA, these fraudulent sites attempt to mimic official banking portals, potentially misleading customers into providing sensitive personal information. The authority emphasizes that legitimate banks, including Bank of China (Hong Kong), do not send emails or SMS messages containing embedded hyperlinks directing users to their websites for transaction purposes. Furthermore, banks will not request sensitive information such as login passwords or One-Time Passwords via phone, email, or SMS.

Public Advisory

The HKMA advises individuals who may have inadvertently provided personal information or conducted transactions through these fraudulent sites to immediately contact Bank of China (Hong Kong) using the contact details available in the official press release. Additionally, the public is urged to report such incidents to the Hong Kong Police Force's Crime Wing Information Centre at 2860 5012.

Preventive Measures

To protect themselves from phishing scams and fraudulent activities, the HKMA recommends that consumers remain vigilant and verify the authenticity of banking communications. It is crucial to access banking services directly through official websites or apps and to be cautious of unsolicited messages requesting personal information.

For further information, the HKMA has provided detailed guidance on its website, highlighting common scams and preventive strategies for consumers. More details can be accessed on the HKMA website.