Compilation of Fraudulent SMSs
2025-10-21
[The latest scam alerts on phishing SMSs in 2025] The Anti-Deception Coordination Centre (ADCC) has released a “Compilation of Fraudulent SMSs” for public access to defrauding tricks, lists of recently impersonated organisations and preventive measures.
What are phishing SMS scams?
Phishing SMSs are mostly messages sent by scammers posing as organisations or service providers.
Prevalent tactic: Scammers pose as organisations or service providers and trick you into clicking on malicious links or providing personal information by sending you SMSs disguised as notifications from banks. Common excuses include “You have subscribed to our services and charges have been deducted from your bank account” and “Delivery failed due to incorrect address”. You are lured into calling their “customer service” to cancel such services.
Features of phishing SMSs
- Sender IDs are similar to that of official organisations
- Pressure-filled contents are included, e.g. abnormal transactions in your account, overdue bills, expiring points, delivery failure, etc.
- You are lured to click on links or call the numbers provided
- There is unusual language usage, e.g. mixture of Chinese and English, faulty grammar, spelling mistakes, etc.
- You are asked for personal information
Recently impersonated organisations
Government agencies: ADCC, Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the Treasury
Media platforms: HK01, HOY TV, NOW TV, YouTube Premium, WhatsApp and Facebook
Investment / insurance platforms: Binance, IBKR, uSMART, Futubull and AIA
Telecommunications services providers: China Mobile, csl and PCCW
Delivery / takeaway platforms: SF Express, Cainiao, Keeta and Foodpanda
Preventive measures
- Do not call phone numbers in SMSs or click on unknown links
- Seek verification directly from relevant organisations
- Look for the prefix “#” in SMS sender IDs
- Enter suspicious information on “Scameter” of CyberDefender or “Scameter+”, the mobile application of “Scameter” for security check
- If you suspect that you have fallen prey to a scam, please call the “Anti-Scam Helpline 18222”
Previous scam alerts
New Wave of Phishing SMSs Purportedly from HSBC, Hongkong Post and Douyin, Alleging Deduction of Charges
https://www.adcc.gov.hk/en-hk/alerts-detail/alerts-1978309482792943617.html
Claims of Netflix Subscription Renewals with High Monthly Fees by Scammers Posing as Now TV and HOY TV
https://www.adcc.gov.hk/en-hk/alerts-detail/alerts-1972925926072545282.html
[SMSs Purportedly from Couriers] Middle-aged Woman Loses $3.2 Million after Buying Tea Bags on Pinduoduo
https://www.adcc.gov.hk/en-hk/alerts-detail/alerts-1968924231633272833.html
Beware of Fraudulent SMSs Regarding YouTube Premium Subscription Renewals and Alleged Deduction of Charges
https://www.adcc.gov.hk/en-hk/alerts-detail/alerts-1967834364829491201.html
Beware of Fraudulent SMSs Purportedly from IBKR or uSMART and Claiming “Your Form W-8 BEN is about to Expire”
https://www.adcc.gov.hk/en-hk/alerts-detail/alerts-1960530360251576322.html
Beware of Fraudulent SMSs Purportedly Sent from foodpanda and Keeta
https://www.adcc.gov.hk/en-hk/alerts-detail/alerts-1954842914448863234.html
New Defrauding Tricks of Fraudulent SFHK SMSs Busted
https://www.adcc.gov.hk/en-hk/alerts-detail/alerts-1942080164619333634.html
Fraudulent SMSs Purportedly from Futubull or Interactive Brokers Leading to Hijacks of Your Securities Accounts and Huge Losses
hhttps://www.adcc.gov.hk/en-hk/alerts-detail/alerts-1930527791698653185.html
Fraudulent SMSs Purportedly from Treasury Demand Penalty Payments
https://www.adcc.gov.hk/en-hk/alerts-detail/alerts-1924344730358448129.html
Beware of Phishing SMSs! ADCC and HKMA Will Not Commission Solicitors to Handle Cases
https://www.adcc.gov.hk/en-hk/alerts-detail/alerts-1912348976005840897.html
