Background
Scammers are targeting HSBC customers with scam calls and texts that appear to be from their bank.
How the scam works
Text
- You receive a text message, which may appear in the same thread as genuine text messages from HSBC
- The text message claims there was an attempt to gain access to your account or fraudulent activity
- It includes a phone number to call – this is not HSBC’s phone number
- The phone number connects HSBC customers to scammers who ask for your username, personal details and bank codes in order to gain access to your account.
Phone
- You receive a call from someone claiming to be a HSBC worker, from a number that looks to be the genuine HSBC phone line
- They claim there was an attempt to gain access to your account or fraudulent activity
- The scammer asks for your username, personal details and bank codes in order to gain access to your account.
Protect yourself
- Never provide online banking passwords, one-time security codes, pins or tokens to anyone over the phone.
- Contact your bank or financial institution immediately, using your banking app or a phone number you have sourced yourself, if you have concerns about the security of your bank account.
What to do next
- Help others by reporting scams to Scamwatch.
- Tell your friends and family: it helps to share your experience, they can support you and you can help protect them from scams.
