HKMA Alerts Public to Bank Scams and Fraudulent Websites

HKMA Press Releases

Published March 19th, 2026

Detected March 19th, 2026

Summary

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has alerted the public to fraudulent websites and scams reported by several banks. The notice reminds the public that banks will not solicit sensitive information via SMS or email with embedded hyperlinks.

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What changed

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has issued a scam alert, highlighting fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens reported by The Bank of East Asia, Limited, Shanghai Commercial Bank Limited, Chong Hing Bank Limited, and OCBC Bank (Hong Kong) Limited. This notice serves to inform the public about these specific fraudulent activities and to reinforce general security advice regarding online banking.

Members of the public who may have fallen victim to these scams are advised to contact the relevant bank immediately and report the incident to the Hong Kong Police Force. The HKMA also reiterates that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks for transactions or request sensitive information like login passwords or One-Time Passwords through such channels.

What to do next

Contact relevant bank if personal information was compromised or transactions were conducted via scam
Report scam incidents to the Hong Kong Police Force

Source document (simplified)

Scam alert related to banks

Press Releases

19 Mar 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 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
19 March 2026

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