Government issues Amber Outbound Travel Alert for France
In view of the latest protest situation in France, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government today (October 20) issued an amber outbound travel alert (OTA) on France.
A Government spokesman said, "The amber OTA signifies signs of threats. Due to the persistent protests that have occurred across many places in France, resulting in clashes and damages, the HKSAR Government advises Hong Kong residents who intend to visit France, or are already there, that they should monitor the situation, exercise caution, attend to personal safety, pay attention to local announcements on the latest situation and avoid large gatherings of people. Residents should avoid all non-essential travel to areas where protests are taking place."
The Security Bureau will continue to closely monitor the situation in France. Any updates will be issued through the media, the Bureau's mobile application and the OTA webpage (www.sb.gov.hk/eng/ota).
Hong Kong residents outside Hong Kong who need assistance may call the 24-hour hotline of the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit of the Immigration Department (ImmD) at (852) 1868, call the 1868 hotline using network data or use the 1868 Chatbot via the ImmD mobile application, send a message to the 1868 WhatsApp assistance hotline or the 1868 WeChat assistance hotline, submit an Online Assistance Request Form, or contact local Chinese Embassies.
When travelling outside Hong Kong, residents are encouraged to register their contact details and itinerary via the Registration of Outbound Travel Information service (www.gov.hk/roti) of the ImmD. The information provided will allow the ImmD to disseminate practical information to them through appropriate means, including SMS on mobile phones, in a timely manner when necessary.
Source: AI-found images
HKICL alerts public of fraudulent websites
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
Hong Kong Interbank Clearing Limited (HKICL) has recently noted two fraudulent websites purported to be from HKICL:
- monetaryauthorityhk.sbs
- systemfps.xyz
These fraudulent websites imitate as "Buyer Online Protection" to provide services including 1) refund to buyer, 2) unauthorised online transaction reporting, and 3) online transaction support, for online transaction over FPS payment. They intend to trick user into giving away personal document number and ID photo together with phone number for real name verification in order to get cash reward. In addition, they also trick user into providing bank name, bank account number and bank account holder's name to top up and withdraw money from their platforms' virtual wallet. Further, they direct user to a fraudster impersonating as customer service personnel.
Please be reminded that the fraudulent websites may have multiple combinations at the end of the link, e.g.:
- monetaryauthorityhk.sbs/page/place_an_order/?uuid=refund
HKICL advises that these fraudulent websites have no affiliation with HKICL, or any business of HKICL. HKICL will not directly provide FPS service to individual members of the public or contact individual members of the public proactively under usual circumstance. The genuine official website addresses of HKICL are www.hkicl.com.hk and fps.hkicl.com.hk.
HKICL urges the public to beware of suspicious calls, websites or other communications, and to remain vigilant in protecting personal information. If members of the public receive any suspicious communication purportedly from HKICL, please call HKICL's general line at 2533 1111 to verify. Members of the public who suspect that they have become the victim of fraudulent acts should report promptly to the Police.
Source: AI-found images
