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, internet banking login screens and phishing email |
Shanghai Commercial Bank Limited |
Fraudulent website and internet banking login screen |
OCBC Bank (Hong Kong) Limited |
Fraudulent website and internet banking login screen |
Chong Hing Bank Limited |
Fraudulent website and internet banking login screen |
Chiyu Banking Corporation Limited |
Fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens |
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
Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for possession of duty-not-paid cigarettes
Two incoming passengers were sentenced to two months' and 10 weeks' imprisonment respectively by the Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (January 16) for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).
Customs officers intercepted a 37-year-old incoming female passenger at the Lo Wu Control Point yesterday (January 15) and seized 4 403 duty-not-paid cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about $18,000 and a duty potential of about $15,000, from her personal baggage. She was subsequently arrested. She was sentenced to two months' imprisonment today.
On the same day, Customs officers intercepted a 23-year-old incoming male passenger at the same control point and seized 5 192 duty-not-paid cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about $21,000 and a duty potential of about $17,000, from his personal baggage. He was subsequently arrested. He was sentenced to 10 weeks' imprisonment today.
Customs welcomes the sentences, noting that even a first-time offender may still be imprisoned. The custodial sentences have imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflect the seriousness of the offences. Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, tobacco products are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who 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 illicit cigarette 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).
Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for possession of duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Two incoming passengers convicted and jailed for possession of duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
