The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and Hong Kong Association of Banks (HKAB) has launched the Anti-Scam Consumer Protection Charter to enhance public awareness of safeguarding credit card and personal information.

Led by the HKMA and the HKAB, all 23 card issuing banks and 15 merchant institutions in Hong Kong are participating in the charter.

Under the charter, participating institutions commit not to send instant electronic messages (e.g. SMS, WhatsApp, WeChat, etc.) to customers with embedded hyperlinks to request for personal and credit card information online, and to convey the message of “Beware of scams” to the public through various channels.

They will also undertake to provide appropriate channels for customers to verify the authenticity of messages, and enhance staff training so as to fulfil the commitment of the charter and handle customer enquiries effectively.

Eddie Yue, Chief Executive of the HKMA, said,

“The HKMA is pleased to receive strong support from the HKAB and various sectors. By joining hands with Hong Kong’s card issuing banks, merchants, the Hong Kong Police Force and the Consumer Council, the HKMA strives to heighten the awareness of the public on safeguarding credit card information, and strengthen the combat against credit card scams to offer better protection to the public in Hong Kong.”