Hang Seng warns of new credit card scam
Crhk · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Hang Seng Bank has issued a public warning over a new type of credit card application scam targeting people in Hong Kong and the mainland. Fraudsters are said to impersonate bank staff, approach potential victims through messaging apps, and claim they can arrange or accelerate credit card applications before asking for personal information.
Victims later found that no valid credit card application was being processed. The bank said it does not appoint agents or intermediaries to proactively solicit or handle credit card applications in Hong Kong or the mainland.
Key Points
- Hang Seng said scammers may contact members of the public through instant messaging apps while pretending to be bank employees offering credit card application help.
- The fraudsters may claim they can arrange or speed up an application process, then ask victims to provide personal information for verification.
- Some victims only discovered afterwards that there was no valid credit card application under processing despite the information they had provided.
- The bank said it will not appoint any agent or intermediary to proactively solicit or process credit card applications in Hong Kong or mainland China.
- Hang Seng also warned people not to let third parties access or control their devices or accounts through remote apps or screen-sharing functions.
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong consumers, the warning is a reminder that unsolicited approaches about financial products through messaging apps, social media, phone calls, emails or online advertisements should be treated with caution. Anyone who suspects personal data or login credentials have been exposed, or notices unusual account activity, should contact Hang Seng immediately at a branch or via its hotline at 2822 0228 and report the case to police as soon as possible