HKMA Issues Alert on Fraudulent Social Media Account and Phishing Messages

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has issued a public alert regarding a fraudulent social media account and phishing instant messages linked to Bank of Singapore Limited, according to the HKMA's official website. The scam involves deceptive messages and a fake social media profile aiming to obtain sensitive information from the bank's customers.

Details of the Fraudulent Activity

The HKMA highlights that the fraudulent activities have been reported to them by Bank of Singapore Limited. The fake social media account and phishing messages attempt to mislead customers into providing personal information such as login credentials and One-Time Passwords (OTPs). The HKMA emphasizes that banks do not send emails or SMS messages with embedded hyperlinks for transactions or to request sensitive information.

Public Advisory

The HKMA strongly advises the public to be cautious of any unsolicited communications that request personal information or direct them to unknown websites. Customers are reminded to verify the authenticity of any message purportedly from their bank by contacting the bank directly using official contact information.

Moreover, the HKMA urges anyone who has disclosed personal information or conducted any financial transactions in response to these fraudulent messages to contact Bank of Singapore immediately and report the incident to the Hong Kong Police Force’s Crime Wing Information Centre at 2860 5012.

Further Actions and Recommendations

The HKMA continues to monitor the situation closely and collaborates with relevant authorities to protect consumers from such fraudulent activities. The public is encouraged to stay informed about the latest scams and refer to the HKMA’s website for updates.

For more detailed information, the official press release can be accessed on the HKMA website.

Hong Kong Monetary Authority
20 August 2024