Stay Alert to SMS sender IDs with no “#” Beware of Phishing SMSs Purportedly from Insurance Companies

2024-12-31

Defrauding Tricks

Recently, scammers sent fraudulent SMSs under the name of AIA and AXA to members of the public, falsely claiming that they had signed service agreement contracts and autopay from their accounts has been arranged, and asking them to call a fraudulent hotline number for cancellation of services before a specific time. After the recipients dialled the hotline, bogus customer service staff on the phone would lure them to log in to fraudulent websites, trying to steal their personal information and bank account details, and obtain money by deception.

Our Advice

• SMSs sent by AIA and AXA begin with “#”. The SMS sender IDs are “#AIA”, and “#AXA” or “#AXA HK” respectively;

• Clarification issued by AIA: https://www.aia.com.hk/en

• Clarification issued by AXA: https://www.axa.com.hk/en/article/statement-on-scam-sms-message

• Do not believe the scammers’ identities simply by the phone numbers they provide. You are advised to verify their identities by making enquiries to relevant organisations;

• You may enter suspicious information on “Scameter” of CyberDefender or “Scameter+”, the mobile app of “Scameter”, for security check in addition to seeking verification from relevant organisations;

• If in doubt, please call the “Anti-Scam Helpline 18222” for assistance.