Consumers using online banking services have been warned to exercise caution when making transactions.

The warning comes as Police and the Monetary Authority look into a report from HSBC that a bogus website abusing its corporate image has surfaced. It is using the address www.hkhsbc.com.

It has been registered and hosted in the US since August and closely resembles HSBC's genuine website.

It is believed the culprit behind the bogus site is trying to dupe unwary HSBC customers of their account usernames and passwords.

Although there are no reports yet of victimisation, Police and the authority have been working with the banking sector and overseas law-enforcement agencies to prevent such scams.

For advice from HSBC, click here.