Beware of Fraudulent SMS Messages Purportedly from Bank

2021-06-23

Recently, members of the public have reported to the Police that they have received fraudulent SMS messages purportedly from bank claiming that a pending payment instruction of HK$50,000 is set up in their online banking account; if not so, they have to log into their accounts via a specific link and cancel the instructions. The victims then click the link to a website purported to be the bank website and input such information as bank account names and passwords as requested. The victims only come to realise that they have been scammed when they receive notification for cash withdrawal and learn that their savings have been transferred out of their accounts.

• When conducting transactions through online banking, members of the public are advised to access their banking accounts by typing the website address of the banks directly into the browser address bar, or through the mobile applications downloaded from official App stores. Do not access such accounts with the link provided in SMS messages.
• If you receive suspicious SMS messages or hyperlinks purported to be sent from banks, contact the corresponding banks for verification proactively;
• Do not download unknown mobile applications, or input any personal or bank account information into unknown mobile applications or websites;
• Remind your relatives and friends to stay vigilant against deception.
• If in doubt, call the “Anti-Scam Helpline 18222” for enquiries.