Scam alert related to banks
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to the press releases issued by the banks listed below relating to fraudulent websites, internet banking login screens, phishing emails or other scams, which have been reported to the HKMA. Hyperlinks to the press releases are available on the HKMA website.
Bank |
Type of Scam |
The Bank of East Asia, Limited |
Fraudulent website and internet banking login screen |
Dah Sing Bank, Limited |
Fraudulent website and internet banking login screen |
The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited |
Phishing emails |
The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks' websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).
Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the scams concerned, should contact the relevant bank with the information provided in the corresponding press release, and report the matter to the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.
Source: AI-found images
Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cannabis buds worth about $0.9 million at airport
Hong Kong Customs today (February 5) detected a drug trafficking case involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 4.5 kilograms of suspected cannabis buds with an estimated market value of about $0.9 million, as well as 81 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarettes.
A 47-year-old male passenger arrived in Hong Kong from Ko Samui, Thailand, today (February 5). During customs clearance, suspected cannabis buds, weighing about 4.5 kg in total, and 81 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarettes were found inside his baggage. The male was subsequently arrested.
Investigation is ongoing.
Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.
Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/en).
Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cannabis buds worth about $0.9 million at airport Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
