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The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public in Hong Kong to e-mails purporting to be sent from Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited (BOCHK). The e-mails request customers to use an embedded hyperlink to connect to a fraudulent website (for example, "www.autodrogeria.pl/components/bochk1.htm" or "www.makebluprint.com/blog/wp-includes/images/smilies/bochkonline/bochk1.htm") and verify their account information by entering their Internet banking account's user name and password. The fraudulent websites look similar to the bank's Internet banking logon webpage. BOCHK has clarified that it has not sent these e-mails to its customers and has no connection with the fraudulent websites. In addition, BOCHK does not have the policy of sending e-mails asking its customers to provide their passwords or verify their account information online.
BOCHK has already reported the cases to the Hong Kong Police Force for investigation. Anyone who has provided personal information to the websites, or has conducted any financial transactions through the websites should contact BOCHK at 3988 2388 and any local Police Station or the Commercial Crime Bureau of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.
"Members of the public are reminded not to access their Internet banking accounts through hyperlinks embedded in e-mails, Internet search engines or suspicious pop-up windows. Instead, they should access their Internet banking accounts by typing the website addresses at the address bar of the browser, or by bookmarking the genuine website and using that for access. If in doubt, they should contact their banks," said an HKMA spokesperson.
Ends/Friday, July 8, 2011
Issued at HKT 19:34
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