On 7 January 2025, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) issued a public alert regarding phishing instant messages impersonating Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited. The advisory highlights fraudulent messages reported to the HKMA and discusses the importance of vigilance among the public in avoiding financial scams. The alert accompanies a press release issued by Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited, accessible via the HKMA’s official website.
This warning comes in response to reports of fraudulent instant messages that mimic official communication from Bank of China Limited. These messages aim to deceive recipients into providing sensitive personal and financial information, such as login credentials and One-Time Passwords (OTPs). The HKMA in this press release states that banks in Hong Kong, including Bank of China Limited, do not use SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks to direct customers to transactional websites. They also do not request personal or sensitive information via phone, email, or instant messaging platforms. Following an assessment of the potential risks to the public, the HKMA promptly issued its warning on 7 January 2025.
The HKMA’s statement advises anyone who has interacted with the fraudulent messages to take immediate action. Individuals who have shared personal information or conducted transactions through the phishing messages are urged to contact Bank of China Limited using the official contact details provided in the bank’s press release. They should also report the matter to the Hong Kong Police Force by contacting the Crime Wing Information Centre at 2860 5012. Members of the public are encouraged to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of any communication purporting to be from financial institutions.
(Source: https://www.hkma.gov.hk/eng/news-and-media/press-releases/2025/01/20250107-3/)
