Warning: Fraudsters misuse HKMA name in fake e-HKD tender
A fraudulent investment scheme is using forged documents to impersonate the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. The central bank warned that fraudsters are promising Exchange Fund Bills proceeds in e-HKD through a fake mobile app to illicitly solicit funds.
Fake tender and counterfeit app
Fraudsters have targeted the public by circulating a forged document regarding a purported tender of Exchange Fund Bills under the guise of e-HKD initiatives.
The scam directs individuals to download a fake mobile application to participate in the bidding process.
Perpetrators claim that successful participants will receive Exchange Fund Bills proceeds in the form of e-HKD that can subsequently be withdrawn.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) confirmed that the investment project is entirely fabricated and reported the incident to the Hong Kong Police Force.
Individuals who submitted data or transferred funds have been urged to contact the police crime wing.
Strict boundaries on sandbox projects
The HKMA clarified that it never contacts individual members of the public to request fund transfers or discuss personal finances.
Furthermore, all institutions participating in the e-HKD Pilot Programme and related regulatory sandboxes are strictly prohibited from soliciting public funding or marketing associated investment products.
Anyone who shared information with the fraudulent application should contact the police at 2860 5012.
Innovation creates new attack surfaces
Digital currency pilots create fertile ground for scammers exploiting retail enthusiasm.
The misuse of official pilot branding shows how vulnerable novel central bank projects remain to reputational harm.
Clear public communication is critical, but preventing such abuse will require stricter enforcement.