HKMA, Hong Kong banks warn public against phishing attacks

Phishing emails and messages detected in the first half were 145% higher.

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Hong Kong Association of Banks (HKAB) warned the public against phishing attacks that have increased recently.

HKMA data showed that banks detected 169 cases of suspicious websites, mobile applications, and phishing messages and emails during the first half of the year.

This is 145% higher than the 69 detected over the same period last year.

Some 111 bank customers were affected by phishing attacks in the first half of 2021, involving some $22m, compared with no such reported cases in 2020.

In light of this, the HKMA and HKAB launched a series of promotional campaigns over the internet and social media platforms with the theme “Protect your Personal Digital Keys; Beware of Fraudulent Links!”

The HKMA and HKAB reminded the public that internet banking login credentials are as important in the digital world as the keys to their houses are in the physical one, and should be properly safeguarded.

Moreover, in line with the HKMA's supervisory requirements, banks will not send SMS or email messages with embedded hyperlinks directing customers to their websites or mobile applications to carry out transactions nor will they ask customers to provide sensitive personal information.

It added if members of the public receive SMS or email messages with embedded hyperlinks requesting them to input internet banking login credentials, these messages should not originate from banks. 

The public should think twice before clicking any hyperlinks purportedly sent by banks.