Insurance Authority alerts Hong Kong policyholders to growing phishing threat

Precautionary measures outlined

Insurance Authority alerts Hong Kong policyholders to growing phishing threat

Cyber

By Roxanne Libatique

The Hong Kong Insurance Authority (IA) has issued a public notice warning of phishing scams that have targeted insurance policyholders in Hong Kong.

Fraudsters have been impersonating authorised insurers, including Manulife (International) Limited, through text messages designed to obtain personal or financial information.

Phishing scams targeting Manulife policyholders

According to the IA, the fraudulent messages claim to assist with cancelling or modifying insurance policies. Recipients are asked to contact a suspicious phone number, where scammers attempt to gather sensitive data.

Manulife has confirmed it is not associated with the messages or the phone number provided. The insurer emphasised that official SMS messages are sent via its Registered SMS Sender ID, “#Manulife.”

Customers who suspect they have shared information or made transactions with the fraudsters are advised to report the matter to Manulife’s hotline (2108 1188) or email [email protected]. Victims are also encouraged to contact the Hong Kong Police Force.

Increase in phishing incidents 

This warning is the latest in a series of alerts issued by the IA regarding phishing scams targeting the local insurance sector.

Earlier this month, the IA highlighted another phishing scam involving fraudulent text messages claiming to be from FWD Life Insurance Company (Bermuda) Limited. In these cases, scammers informed recipients of fake premium renewal requests and directed them to call a suspicious number.

FWD has denied any connection to the messages and confirmed the incidents were reported to law enforcement. The company has urged individuals who may have interacted with the scammers to contact FWD at 3123-3123 and notify the authorities.

Other incidents have targeted Bowtie Life Insurance Company Limited. On Jan. 3, the IA issued an alert about fraudulent messages instructing recipients to resolve alleged insurance issues by contacting a suspicious phone number. Bowtie also stated it was not involved and referred the cases to police for investigation.

Similar phishing schemes were reported at the end of December, involving AIA International Limited and AXA. In these instances, fraudulent messages contained links or requested calls to cancel fictitious transactions. Both insurers confirmed they were not linked to the messages and advised affected individuals to contact their customer service teams and local authorities.

Precautionary measures 

The IA has reminded consumers to verify all communications related to their insurance policies through official channels. It also advised the public to use the IA’s online Register of Authorized Insurers to ensure the legitimacy of insurers and communications.

With a rise in phishing scams targeting policyholders, the IA has emphasised the need for vigilance. It urged the public to avoid responding to suspicious messages and to immediately report potential scams to the police and the insurer involved.

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