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The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) received enquiries from members of the public concerning suspicious voice message phone calls, with incoming call display showing the same phone number as an enquiry hotline of the HKMA (2878 1111 / +2878 1111). The messages claim that there are irregularities detected from his or her bank account. The HKMA clarified that it had not made any of the said pre-recorded voice message phone calls to anyone.
At the same time, the HKMA wishes to alert members of the public that retail banks in Hong Kong have received over 1 000 enquiries made by their customers in the past week about suspicious voice message phone calls claiming to be from the banks. The messages claim that there are irregularities detected from the customer's bank account or credit card, and request customer to input personal information or contact operator for account authentication.
The HKMA reminds the public again that the HKMA or banks will not notify bank account irregularities through pre-recorded messages. In addition, the HKMA or banks will not ask for sensitive personal information (including the login password or one-time password) by phone calls or emails.
The HKMA has asked the Hong Kong Association of Banks to remind its member banks to be vigilant and take appropriate actions and to help raise awareness of the general public about these calls.
Anyone who has provided his or her personal information to these calls or alike should immediately contact the bank concerned and any local Police Station or the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau of the Hong Kong Police Force (at 2860 5012) so that the bank concerned and the Police may follow up and investigate the case accordingly and help protect the affected customer from suffering potential financial losses as a result of disclosing his or her personal information in this case.
Ends/Monday, July 20, 2015
Issued at HKT 17:20
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