The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has issued a public alert regarding phishing instant messages related to Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited (ICBC Asia). According to the HKMA, these fraudulent messages have been reported to the authority, prompting a swift response to safeguard consumers.
Details of the Phishing Scam
The HKMA has underscored the importance of staying vigilant against phishing attempts, which often aim to steal sensitive personal information. The fraudulent messages reportedly direct recipients to fake websites that mimic legitimate bank portals, where they are asked to provide personal and financial details such as login passwords and One-Time Passwords (OTPs).
To help the public recognize and avoid these scams, the HKMA has highlighted that banks will never send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks directing customers to perform transactions on their websites. Additionally, banks will not request personal information through phone calls, emails, or SMS messages containing embedded links.
Immediate Steps for Affected Individuals
The HKMA advises anyone who has received these phishing messages and provided personal information or conducted financial transactions in response to immediately contact ICBC Asia using the official contact information provided in the bank’s press release. Furthermore, individuals are urged to report the incident to the Police by contacting the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.
Public Advisory
In its advisory, the HKMA encourages the public to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of any communication purporting to be from their bank. Consumers are advised to directly visit the official bank website by typing the URL into their browser rather than clicking on embedded links in messages or emails.
The full press release from ICBC Asia, including detailed guidance on how to handle such phishing attempts, can be accessed on the HKMA’s official website. The HKMA remains committed to protecting consumers from cyber threats and promoting safe banking practices.
Hong Kong Monetary Authority
28 May 2024
Image source: Shutterstock
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