Todd Bishop
The HKMA pointed out that in the past three weeks, eight notifications concerning unauthorized micro-transfer transactions were received. These cases involved a total of three banks with a total value of $70,000. According to the available information, the criminals may conduct small transfer transactions by stealing the customer’s online banking password. The three banks involved in the market are BOC, Hang Seng and Dah Sing Bank.
According to the requirements of the HKMA, banks will issue instant trading reminders to customers after completing a small transfer transaction. These cases are also revealed when the customer receives a trading reminder and informs the bank.
Affected banks and customers have reported to the police. According to the Code of Banking Practice, customers are not liable for direct losses suffered as a result of unauthorized transactions unless they commit fraud or gross negligence. In response to this request, the bank has already compensated some customers, and other cases are also being processed.
The HKMA wishes to remind the public to take appropriate precautions when using e-banking services to avoid similar fraud. These precautions include setting up online banking passwords that are difficult to guess and different from other online services, and updating them regularly; installing and updating security software to protect computers and mobile phones; avoiding e-mailing through public computers or public wireless networks Bank account, and check the e-bank account from time to time, and promptly check the bank’s prompt message and statement.
If the public finds that an unauthorized transaction has been recorded in their account, they should notify their bank as soon as possible and report it to the police or contact the Police Anti-fraud Coordination Centre.
