In June 2006, HKMA has warned the public about three allegedly fraudulent websites. They are:
www[dot]icbcasiachina[dot]cn
Fraudulent. Looks similar to the official website of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited (“ICBC (Asia)”). ICBC (Asia) has clarified that it has no connection with this website.
www[dot]hkcb[dot]net
Suspected fraudulent. Claims to represent the “Hong Kong City Bank”, and offers various banking services to members of the public in Hong Kong. The public should be aware that the alleged “Hong Kong City Bank” is not authorised under the Banking Ordinance to operate a banking business or the business of taking deposits in Hong Kong, nor does it have the approval to establish a local representative office.
www[dot]stbhk[dot]com
Fraudulent. Looks similar to the official website of Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited. Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited has clarified that it has no connection with the fraudulent website.
All three cases have been referred or reported to the Hong Kong Police Force for further investigation.
Given the global nature of the Internet, members of the public are reminded to verify the status of any organisation making use of the Internet to solicit deposits from the public. A list of authorised institutions is available on the HKMA's website (www.hkma.gov.hk). Members of the public may also check the status of any entity in Hong Kong which solicits deposits from the public with the HKMA by calling its public enquiry hotline 2878 8222.