Suspected ATM Fraud Cases

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) today (Tuesday) wishes to remind members of the public to be alert in using Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs). The HKMA recently received a report from a bank that one of its ATM terminals was suspected to be attacked by fraudsters. The bank has reported the cases to the Police. The HKMA has already requested the bank to conduct a detailed investigation into the incident and a thorough inspection on all its ATM terminals.

The bank has already informed the affected customers. It will arrange for replacement of their ATM cards free of charge and compensate them for any loss as a result of the fraud. The affected ATM terminal has already been rectified.

The HKMA advises customers to protect their Personal Identity Number (PIN) and ATM cards appropriately, including covering the keypad while entering the PIN. Customers are encouraged to report to their banks of any suspicious devices found on ATMs. The HKMA has requested banks to place educational sticker labels on their ATMs to inform the cardholders of the proper way for using ATM terminals.

"In general, ATMs are safe to use. Banks and the customers are advised to take appropriate precautionary measures for extra protection," an HKMA spokesperson said.

For further enquiries, please contact:
Yokee Wong, Manager (Communications), at 2878 1213 or
Natalie Wu, Officer (Communications), at 2878 8246

Hong Kong Monetary Authority
27 April 2010