Compilation of Fraudulent SMSs

Phishing SMSs are mostly messages sent by scammers posing as organisations or service providers.

Prevalent tactic: Scammers pose as organisations or service providers and trick you into clicking on malicious links or providing personal information by sending you SMSs disguised as notifications from banks. Common excuses include “You have subscribed to our services and charges have been deducted from your bank account” and “Delivery failed due to incorrect address”. You are lured into calling their “customer service” to cancel such services.

Recently impersonated organisations

Government agencies: ADCC, Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the Treasury

Media platforms: HK01, HOY TV, NOW TV, YouTube Premium, WhatsApp and Facebook

Investment / insurance platforms: Binance, IBKR, uSMART, Futubull and AIA

Telecommunications services providers: China Mobile, csl and PCCW

Delivery / takeaway platforms: SF Express, Cainiao, Keeta and Foodpanda

Preventive measures

• Do not call phone numbers in SMSs or click on unknown links

• Seek verification directly from relevant organisations

• Look for the prefix “#” in SMS sender IDs

• Enter suspicious information on “Scameter” of CyberDefender or “Scameter+”, the mobile application of “Scameter” for security check

• If you suspect that you have fallen prey to a scam, please call the “Anti-Scam Helpline 18222”

Extracted from ADCC website, please visit HERE for more details.