Beware of Phone Scammers Impersonating Bank Staff

2021-07-06

Some members of the public have recently received pre-recorded voice message calls purportedly from banks claiming that their bank or credit card accounts might have got frozen due to irregularities detected. The calls are then forwarded to another scammer and the recipients are asked to provide information such as their personal data, account number and PIN of online banking account or credit card number for verification.

• To help detect telephone deception, the Office of the Communications Authority stipulates that telephone operators are required to insert a “+” sign in the calling number display of mobile phones as a prefix for all incoming calls originating from places outside Hong Kong. If you receive an unknown call with the prefix “ +852 ”, it is likely to be a scam call disguising as a local call.
• Banks will never call their customers for account number and PIN via pre-recorded voice message call.
• Do not disclose to strangers your personal information such as your name, ID card number, bank account number and PIN, etc.
• If you receive calls purported to be from banks, contact the corresponding banks to verify the identity of callers proactively;
• Remind your relatives and friends to stay vigilant against deception.
• If in doubt, please call the “Anti-Scam Helpline 18222” for advice.