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The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Hong Kong Association of Banks (HKAB) jointly announced today (May 7) the release of the revised customer educational leaflet: "Internet Banking - Keeping your money safe".

The original leaflet was issued by HKAB last August to provide the public with general guidance on security precautions of Internet banking. In view of the growing acceptance of Internet banking services and in anticipation of more sophisticated fraudulent schemes targeting Hong Kong, HKAB, the HKMA and the Hong Kong Police Force have revised the leaflet to provide up-to-date security tips on using Internet banking.

Mr Raymond Li, Acting Deputy Chief Executive of the HKMA, said, "given the global nature of the Internet, fraudsters will continue to make use of various techniques to trick bank customers. This revised leaflet will further increase the awareness of Internet banking security precautions among the general public in Hong Kong."

"Taking basic precautions when banking online is key to protecting personal information. We hope that the general public will find the tips in our revised leaflet helpful and simple to follow," Chairman of HKAB Mr Peter Wong said.

The leaflet is also endorsed by the Consumer Council. It can be obtained from banks, and is also available at the websites of the HKMA (www.hkma.gov.hk) and HKAB (www.hkab.org.hk).

For further enquiries, please contact:

Hong Kong Monetary Authority

Jasmin Fung, Manager (Press), at 2878 8246

The Hong Kong Association of Banks

Katie Yip, Secretary, at 2521 1160

Ends/Friday, May 7, 2004

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