Protecting Yourself from Credit Card Fraud
In Hong Kong, credit card fraud is a growing concern that can occur through various means, including phishing emails, fake merchants, and unsolicited calls. To stay safe, it’s essential to be vigilant and take necessary precautions when using your cards.
Prevention Tips
To prevent becoming a victim of credit card fraud, follow these security tips:
- Verify Merchant Legitimacy: Always check the legitimacy of a merchant before providing any sensitive credit or debit card information.
- Keep Authentication Methods Safe: Keep your authentication methods, such as passwords and one-time security codes, safe. Never share them with anyone unless you’re certain it’s a legitimate request.
- Use Caution with Biometrics and Device Binding: Be cautious when using biometrics, mobile security keys, or device binding as authenticators for making payments. Understand the risks and take necessary measures to protect your devices and these authentication methods.
- Monitor Your Transactions: Regularly check your credit or debit card transaction records on Hang Seng Personal e-Banking and mobile app daily, if possible. If you find any unusual activity, report it to us immediately.
Online Transaction Safety
Before making online transactions, ensure that the shopping sites are secure and authentic. Be wary of unsolicited emails, links, or attachments, and do not open them.
Suspicious Messages and Calls
If you receive suspicious messages claiming to be from your relatives or friends, verify their identities carefully before taking any action.
Reporting Suspicions
As a cardholder, it’s your responsibility to inform us immediately if you suspect your credit or debit cards or authentication methods have been lost, stolen, or compromised. You are liable for transactions made on your cards, including unauthorized transactions due to negligence.
If you have any concerns, contact our Customer Services Hotline listed at the back of your credit or debit card or report to the Hong Kong Police immediately for further assistance and investigation.
Common Scams
Fraudsters may use fake social media pages to advertise limited edition or discounted products and ask for payment before shipping. They may also pretend to be merchants offering attractive prices and use fake websites to steal credit or debit card information and OTPs.
Another common scam involves fraudsters making phone calls, sending SMS or emails claiming to be real merchants, banks, or government officials, asking for credit or debit card details. They create fake scenarios to reduce your alertness or make you panic.
Stay Alert
To avoid falling victim to these scams, never provide bank, credit card, debit card, investment, insurance, and MPF accounts or other key personal information via links embedded in suspicious messages claiming to be from us. Stay alert and take necessary precautions to protect yourself from credit card fraud.