Scam Alert: Three Hong Kong Banks, Fraudulent Websites and Phishing Messages
Summary
The HKMA issued a scam alert on April 15, 2026, warning the public about fraudulent websites, internet banking login screens, and phishing instant messages associated with Shanghai Commercial Bank Limited, Chong Hing Bank Limited, and Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited. The alert clarifies that legitimate banks do not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks to conduct transactions or request sensitive information such as login passwords or one-time passwords by phone, email, or SMS. Members of the public who may have provided personal information or conducted financial transactions through these scams should contact the relevant bank and report the matter to the Hong Kong Police Force Crime Wing Information Centre.
What changed
The HKMA published a scam alert identifying three Hong Kong banks targeted by fraudulent activity: Shanghai Commercial Bank Limited and Chong Hing Bank Limited were associated with fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens, while Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited was linked to phishing instant messages. The alert serves as an informational public notice to help consumers identify and avoid these scams.
For affected consumers, the primary action is to contact the relevant bank directly using official contact information and report the matter to Hong Kong Police. The alert reinforces that banks will not request sensitive credentials via unsolicited communications, which may help consumers recognize future fraudulent attempts. Financial institutions may wish to review their customer communication protocols and ensure scam reporting channels are clearly publicized.
What to do next
- Consumers who provided personal information or conducted transactions through fraudulent sites should contact the relevant bank immediately
- Report any suspicious activity to the Hong Kong Police Force Crime Wing Information Centre at 2860 5012
- Ignore and do not click any embedded hyperlinks in suspicious SMS or emails claiming to be from banks
Archived snapshot
Apr 16, 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
15 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 |
|---|---|
| Shanghai Commercial Bank Limited | Fraudulent website and internet banking login screen |
| Chong Hing Bank Limited | Fraudulent website and internet banking login screen |
| Bank of China (Hong Kong) 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
15 April 2026
Latest Press Releases
- 16 Apr 2026 Ministry of Finance issues Renminbi Sovereign Bonds through Central Moneymarkets Unit of Hong Kong Monetary Authority
- 15 Apr 2026 Scam alert related to banks
- 14 Apr 2026 Scam alert related to banks
- 14 Apr 2026 Analytical Accounts of the Exchange Fund
- 14 Apr 2026 Exchange Fund Bills Tender Results
View All View All Last revision date : 15 April 2026 Share
Related changes
Get daily alerts for HKMA Press Releases
Daily digest delivered to your inbox.
Free. Unsubscribe anytime.
About this page
Every important government, regulator, and court update from around the world. One place. Real-time. Free. Our mission
Source document text, dates, docket IDs, and authority are extracted directly from HKMA.
The summary, classification, recommended actions, deadlines, and penalty information are AI-generated from the original text and may contain errors. Always verify against the source document.
Classification
Who this affects
Taxonomy
Browse Categories
Get alerts for this source
We'll email you when HKMA Press Releases publishes new changes.
Subscribed!
Optional. Filters your digest to exactly the updates that matter to you.