The Monetary Authority has reiterated the need for vigilance against potential fraud cases that make use of fake emails or websites to trick bank customers into revealing sensitive account information.

The authority reminded consumers that it is not usual for banks to ask for their customers' sensitive account information, such as PIN numbers and passwords for e-banking services, through emails. But if people receive such a request, they should contact their banks immediately.

They should not access Internet banking websites through hyperlinks embedded in emails unless they have verified the genuineness of the website.

The correctness of the domain name and validity of the digital certificate of the website should also be checked.

For further security tips on Internet banking, reference may be made to the leaflet Internet Banking - Keeping Your Money Safe issued by the HK Association of Banks which is available at http://www.hkab.org.hk.