HKMA, local bank association launch charter to prevent credit card scams

The industry is directed not to send SMS with embedded hyperlinks.

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Hong Kong Association of Banks (HKAB) have launched the Anti-Scam Consumer Protection Charter, which aims to raise public awareness about credit card information safety.

The charter, jointly developed by participating card-issuing banks and merchant institutions in Hong Kong, features four key principles.

The industry is directed to not send instant electronic messages with embedded hyperlinks or request personal and credit card information online.

Banks are also asked to raise public awareness of credit card scams through various promotional channels. 

Banks will also provide contact information through official channels to allow customers to verify message senders’ identities as well as message authenticity.

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Finally, the lenders are also directed to provide frontline staff with enhanced training to handle customer enquiries. 

“The Anti-Scam Consumer Protection Charter, jointly introduced by the HKAB and HKMA, demonstrates the industry’s commitment to help consumers easily identify fraudulent messages and combat credit card scams,” said Sun Yu, chairman of the HKAB, adding that the HKAB will closely monitor the latest trends and methods used in credit card scams while conducting public education campaigns to boost customer confidence in credit card payments. 

“With all the measures introduced, customers can enjoy the convenience of spending with credit cards,” Yu said.