HKMA Alerts Public to Bank Scams and Fraudulent Websites
Summary
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has alerted the public to fraudulent websites and scams reported by several banks. The alert lists specific banks and the types of scams, including phishing and fake login screens, and reminds the public about secure banking practices.
What changed
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) issued a press release on March 23, 2026, to alert the public about fraudulent websites, internet banking login screens, phishing emails, and other scams reported by several banks, including The Bank of East Asia, Shanghai Commercial Bank, Chong Hing Bank, OCBC Bank (Hong Kong), and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia).
This notice serves as a consumer alert and does not impose new regulatory requirements. It reminds the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks for transactions or request sensitive information like login passwords or OTPs via these channels. Individuals who have fallen victim to these scams are advised to contact the relevant bank and report the incident to the Hong Kong Police Force.
What to do next
- Review the list of reported fraudulent websites and scams.
- Advise customers to be vigilant against phishing attempts and fraudulent websites.
- Report any suspected fraudulent activity to the relevant bank and the Hong Kong Police Force.
Source document (simplified)
Scam alert related to banks
Press Releases
23 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 website and internet banking login screen |
| Shanghai Commercial Bank Limited | Fraudulent website and internet banking login screen |
| Chong Hing Bank Limited | Fraudulent website and internet banking login screen |
| OCBC Bank (Hong Kong) Limited | Fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens |
| Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited | Phishing instant messages |
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
23 March 2026
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