Suspected Fraudulent Website: www.fortizbank.com

Press Releases

01 Jun 2004

Suspected Fraudulent Website: www.fortizbank.com

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public in Hong Kong to a suspected fraudulent website with the domain name "www.fortizbank.com". The website is operated by an alleged "Fortiz Bank Asia HK", which claims that it has offices in Hong Kong and London, and offers various banking and investment services. The suspected fraudulent website looks similar to the official website of Belgian Bank (formerly known as Fortis Bank Asia HK). The domain name of the suspected fraudulent website also resembles the official website address of Fortis Bank (Hong Kong Branch). Both Belgian Bank and Fortis Bank (Hong Kong Branch) have issued press releases today to clarify that they have no connection with the alleged "Fortiz Bank Asia HK" or the suspected fraudulent website.

The public should be aware that the alleged "Fortiz Bank Asia HK" is not authorized under the Banking Ordinance to carry on banking business or the business of taking deposits in Hong Kong, nor does it have approval to establish a local representative office.

The case has already been reported to the Hong Kong Police Force for investigation. Anyone who has dealings with the alleged "Fortiz Bank Asia HK", or has provided his or her personal information to the website, or has conducted any financial transactions through the website should contact any local Police Station or the Commercial Crime Bureau of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.

For further enquiries, please contact:
Jasmin Fung, Manager (Press), at 2878 8246 or
Thomas Chan, Senior Manager (Press), at 2878 1480

Hong Kong Monetary Authority
1 June 2004

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Last revision date : 01 June 2004