HKMA Warns Public About Fraudulent Banking Scams and Phishing Attempts

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 theHKMA website.

Bank

Type of scam

The Bank of East Asia, Limited

Fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens

Shanghai Commercial Bank Limited

Fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens

Chong Hing Bank Limited

Fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens

Dah Sing Bank, Limited

Fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens

Fubon Bank (Hong Kong) Limited

Fraudulent website and internet banking login screen

The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited

Fraudulent websites, internet banking login screens and 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.

HKMA, Photo source: reference image

Hong Kong Customs seizes live lizards of suspected scheduled endangered species

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (December 9) seized 34 suspected scheduled endangered live lizards with an estimated market value of about $20,400 at Hong Kong International Airport.

Through risk assessment, Customs officers yesterday inspected an air consignment declared to contain courier material imported from Indonesia. Upon inspection, the suspected scheduled endangered live lizards were found concealed inside a hidden compartment of a wooden box.

The case was handed over to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department for follow-up action.

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Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586), any person importing, exporting or possessing specimens of endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction with the specimens forfeited.

Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling 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).

Hong Kong Customs seizes live lizards of suspected scheduled endangered species Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs seizes live lizards of suspected scheduled endangered species Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases