Instant Message Alert – Phishing instant messages related to Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the
public to a press release issued by Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited
relating to phishing instant messages, which have been reported to the
HKMA. A hyperlink to the press release is available on the HKMA
website.
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 personal 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 instant messages concerned, should contact the
bank using the contact information provided in the press release, and
report the matter to the Police by contacting the Crime Wing
Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012. Hong
Kong Monetary Authority 15 January 2025