HKMA reminds public to stay alert to phishing scams targeting binding of payment cards to contactless mobile payment services
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has recently received reports from banks of scams involving the unauthorised binding of payment cards, including ATM cards, to contactless mobile payment services. The HKMA has shared the relevant modus operandi with the banking industry and reminded banks to stay vigilant and strengthen customer education.
In the cases reported, fraudsters impersonated merchants or other organisations through phishing messages, fraudulent websites or phone calls, and used various pretexts, such as offering compensation for goods, to deceive victims into disclosing their payment card information and ATM personal identification numbers (PINs). To bind the victims' payment cards to devices under the fraudster's control, fraudsters coaxed the victims into approving payment card-binding requests through different channels, such as mobile banking applications or two-way SMS messages. Once the payment cards have been bound, the fraudsters can use them to make unauthorised transactions.
The HKMA reminds members of the public that binding a payment card is a high-risk operation. The following must always be borne in mind:
- never click hyperlinks in messages from unknown sources;
- never disclose payment card information, ATM PINs, login passwords or one-time passwords (OTPs) to anyone;
- never follow instructions from unknown or unverified persons to respond to or approve any requests or transactions, including those received through mobile banking applications or two-way SMS messages; and
- carefully read all messages and notifications from banks, and reject any card-binding request that they have not initiated.
Members of the public who suspect that they have fallen victim to a scam should immediately contact their bank and report the matter to the Police. They may also call the Police's Anti-Scam Helpline at 18222 for assistance.
LegCo Panel on Transport visits autonomous driving vehicles in Beijing
The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:
The delegation of the Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel on Transport continued its duty visit in Beijing today (September 4) to gain insights into the local legislation on autonomous driving, as well as the technology developments and market trends of unmanned driving.
In the morning, the delegation visited the Standing Committee of Beijing Municipal People's Congress for discussion and exchange on the development and legislation of autonomous driving in Beijing. Members hope to draw reference from the relevant statutory and institutional frameworks established by the Beijing Municipal Government, as well as its experience in implementing the Intelligent Connected Vehicle Policy Pilot Zone, with a view to offering advice and recommendations on promoting the driverless and large-scale development of autonomous vehicles in Hong Kong.
The delegation proceeded to Yizhuang Economic and Technological Development Area to visit Didi Chuxing to understand testing of autonomous vehicles in the afternoon. As the world's first high-level autonomous driving demonstration zone, Yizhuang features diverse application scenarios and digital technology support for enterprises to conduct simulation tests. Members rode in autonomous vehicles travelling through different scenarios in the area to experience the vehicles' performance in automatic steering and positioning.
The delegation also visited Beijing Innovation Demonstration Zone for Coordinated Development of Smart City Infrastructure and Intelligent Connected Vehicles in Yizhuang, and exchanged views with representatives of the zone on innovative developments in autonomous driving.
The delegation then went to Baidu Apollo Park to observe its research and development in autonomous driving, big data application and maintenance technology, as well as to understand the development of its autonomous ride-hailing service platform. Members took a ride to experience how autonomous vehicles navigate complex and heavy traffic at busy intersections. Members exchanged views with representatives of the enterprise on the development trends of autonomous vehicles, precision vehicle control and alignment with smart transport infrastructure.
The delegation will continue its duty visit in Beijing tomorrow (September 5) and depart for Hong Kong in the afternoon.
A total of 13 members and non-members of the Panel on Transport participated in the duty visit. The Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, also led a government delegation to join the duty visit.
LegCo Panel on Transport visits autonomous driving vehicles in Beijing Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
LegCo Panel on Transport visits autonomous driving vehicles in Beijing Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
LegCo Panel on Transport visits autonomous driving vehicles in Beijing Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
LegCo Panel on Transport visits autonomous driving vehicles in Beijing Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
