HKMA Warns Public of New Phishing SMS Scam

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has issued a public alert urging vigilance against phishing SMS messages falsely claiming to originate from the HKMA. These fraudulent messages inform recipients that an insurance service has been activated and instruct them to contact “customer service” to cancel the service, an attempt to lure victims into disclosing personal information or making payments.

The HKMA clarified that it does not contact individual members of the public regarding personal financial matters. The case has been reported to the Hong Kong Police Force, and individuals who suspect they may have fallen victim to the scam are advised to contact the Police immediately.

Ongoing Threats and Impersonation Tactics

This latest warning follows a series of phishing incidents involving the impersonation of regulatory authorities. In April, the HKMA and the Police jointly cautioned the public about SMS scams impersonating the Anti-Deception Coordination Centre (ADCC) and the HKMA. These messages falsely claimed to assist victims in recovering frozen assets or payments lost to fraud.

In September, the HKMA flagged another scam involving fraudulent documents that falsely claimed HKMA authorization for an “artificial intelligence investment application.” Scammers, posing as HKMA staff, circulated these documents to convince individuals to transfer funds into a fake investment account.

BrokersView reminds the public to remain cautious, verify the authenticity of financial communications, and report suspicious activity through official channels. The public is also encouraged to Ask a Question to learn more about fraud tactics and safeguard measures.