Scam Alert Related to Banks - Fraudulent Websites and Phishing Emails
Summary
The HKMA issued a scam alert warning the public about fraudulent websites, internet banking login screens, and phishing emails impersonating five Hong Kong banks (Bank of East Asia, Shanghai Commercial Bank, Chong Hing Bank, OCBC Bank Hong Kong, and HSBC Hong Kong). The alert reminds the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks to conduct transactions, nor will they ask for sensitive information like passwords or One-Time Passwords through these channels. Anyone who may have provided personal information should contact their bank and report to the Hong Kong Police Force Crime Wing Information Centre at 2860 5012.
What changed
The HKMA published a scam alert identifying five banks whose websites and internet banking login screens are being fraudulently imitated through phishing websites and emails. The alert explicitly states that legitimate banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks directing customers to conduct transactions, nor will they request sensitive information such as login passwords or One-Time Passwords by phone, email, or SMS.
Banks and financial institutions should ensure their customers are aware of these impersonation scams and provide clear guidance on how to verify authentic communications. Consumers who may have provided personal information or conducted transactions through fraudulent sites should immediately contact the relevant bank's official hotline and file a police report with the Crime Wing Information Centre.
What to do next
- Alert customers to fraudulent bank impersonation scams
- Verify bank communications through official channels
- Report phishing attempts to relevant authorities
Archived snapshot
Apr 10, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Scam alert related to banks
Press Releases
09 Apr 2026
Scam alert related to banks
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to the press releases issued by the banks listed below relating to fraudulent websites, internet banking login screens, phishing emails or other scams, which have been reported to the HKMA. Hyperlinks to the press releases are available on the HKMA website.
| Bank | Type of Scam |
|---|---|
| The Bank of East Asia, Limited | Fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens |
| Shanghai Commercial Bank Limited | Fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens |
| Chong Hing Bank Limited | Fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens |
| OCBC Bank (Hong Kong) Limited | Fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens |
| The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited | Fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens |
The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks’ websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive information, such as login passwords or One-Time Password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).
Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the scams concerned, should contact the relevant bank with the information provided in the corresponding press release, and report the matter to the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.
Hong Kong Monetary Authority
9 April 2026
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