HKMA Scam Alert: Fraudulent Websites and Scams Targeting Bank Customers
Summary
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has issued a scam alert regarding fraudulent websites and scams targeting bank customers. The alert highlights specific instances reported by The Bank of East Asia and Shanghai Commercial Bank Limited, warning the public about phishing attempts and advising on protective measures.
What changed
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has issued a scam alert to the public, highlighting fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens reported by The Bank of East Asia, Limited and Shanghai Commercial Bank Limited. This notice serves to warn consumers about potential phishing scams and fraudulent online activities targeting bank customers. The HKMA reiterates that banks will not solicit sensitive information or send SMS/emails with embedded hyperlinks for transactions.
Members of the public who believe they have fallen victim to these scams, by providing personal information or conducting financial transactions, are advised to contact the relevant bank immediately and report the incident to the Hong Kong Police Force. This alert underscores the importance of vigilance for consumers interacting with online banking services and emphasizes the need for regulated entities to maintain robust communication protocols to prevent customer deception.
What to do next
- Review HKMA's guidance on preventing fraudulent websites and phishing scams.
- Ensure internal communication protocols align with HKMA's warnings regarding sensitive information requests.
- Advise customers to be vigilant against suspicious communications and to report any potential fraud to the bank and police.
Source document (simplified)
Scam alert related to banks
Press Releases
11 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 |
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
11 March 2026
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