In 2019, the Anti-Deception Coordination Centre intercepted nearly HKD3 billion that was on its way to hackers and fraudsters – up by 1.5 times[@cyber-security-and-fraud-adcc] from 2018. According to the HSBC Cyber Security Index, 56% of Hongkongers have encountered online fraud before, with 30% of these people experiencing monetary loss[@cyber-security-and-fraud-hsbccsi]. If you don't want to become the next victim, remember the following important tips.
Please provide your account information and one-time password to confirm your identity.
If you hear or see those words, consider it a red flag. Remember, never disclose sensitive personal information such as your account or credit card information or password to anyone.
HSBC will never ask you to provide sensitive information such as usernames and passwords by phone or email. Even if the caller claims to be from an investment product company, a telecommunications company, or even claims to be a government official, don't take their words easily.
You should also enhance the security of your online banking and adopt measures, such as multiple login authentication, to ensure account security.
Even if you can't provide a proof of income, we can definitely help you borrow money at a very preferential interest rate.
Just pay a small fee or make a deposit, and your loan will be approved immediately.
Congratulations! You've won a big prize. To claim your prize, simply pay a small administrative fee.
Scammers are experts at preying on people's interest in easy victories and desire to get rich quick. They'll offer you attractive services or generous rewards, that can all be yours... as long as you make an advance payment.
When you come across these "offers", remember the old saying: there's no such thing as a free lunch. There will almost always be a hidden cost, especially if an offer sounds too good to be true.
HSBC will never require you to pay fees to ensure loan approval. Bank staff or mortgage company staff will never ask customers to borrow money from another financial company to repay your existing loan.
You're suspected of a criminal offense. You have to hand over your online bank account, password or money to prove your innocence.
We found abnormal transactions in your account. If you don't provide your account password for confirmation, your account will be frozen.
In addition to offering you unbelievable deals, scammers will also take advantage of your fears. They might claim to be law enforcement officers, government officials or bank employees, and tell you that you're involved in legal or financial troubles and frighten you into providing sensitive information or even money.
If you encounter this scenario, please remain calm. Call back the bank or institution to verify the caller. Don't let yourself be scared into something that doesn't feel right.
HSBC will never ask you to provide your account passwords or any payments to confirm transaction activities. Law enforcement officers won't ask for your personal information on the phone, or ask you to reveal your bank account password to prove your innocence.
Whether it's on social media, by email or on the phone, scammers will try their best to steal your personal information and money, riding on your psychological weaknesses to obtain your personal data and your trust. Don't rely on others. Learn how to protect yourself.
Think you might have encountered fraud? Please report it to us immediately.
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