• The bank encourages clients to use a different PIN for their ATM card, phone banking and Internet banking, and not to reuse them for other purposes. "Do not disclose your Internet banking password or security code to anyone (including parties claiming to be bank staff or the police)," HSBC said in a statement.
• Unusual screens requesting additional personal information or an unusually slow response is cause for concern, HSBC said, suggesting that clients should scan their systems for malware.
• As a rule, clients should always access Internet banking by keying in the HSBC website address at the address bar of the browser, or bookmark the website and use that function to access to their HSBC Internet Banking accounts. This eliminates the risk of visiting faked websites through hyperlinks embedded in emails, pop-up windows and search results from search engines, for example.
• Keep computers updated with the latest security software, which can help to prevent problems from clicking on attachments or embedded URLs in suspicious emails. "HSBC will not display your personal information in emails or ask you to provide any personal information including username, password and security code by replying emails," the bank said.
• Avoid sharing personal details such as full name, passport details or credit card numbers. "HSBC Internet Banking will not ask you to provide CVV/CVC code and expiry date of your credit card. You should exercise caution in communicating your personal information," the bank noted.
• Irregularities can be caught through regularly reviewing online transaction records regularly and reporting anything unusual to the bank. Clients are also asked to review transfer limits regularly as this can limit any losses.
Interested?
Clients which have disclosed personal details to suspicious parties should immediately report the incidents to the bank or to the police, HSBC advises.
Suspicious websites encountered in Hong Kong can be reported to HSBC's customer service hotlines at +852 2233 3322 for HSBC Premier customers, +852 2748 8333 for HSBC Advance customers and +852 2233 3000 for other customers.
Review online security tips published by HSBC Singapore
Review online security tips published by HSBC Singapore
