The Monetary Authority warns HSBC customers to beware of an email purporting to be sent from the bank asking them to use an embedded hyperlink to connect to a bogus site to verify their account details. It prompts users to enter their online bank account user name and password.

The bogus website looks similar to the bank's online banking logon webpage. HSBC said it has no connection with the fake website and does not send emails asking customers to provide passwords or verify their account information.

The case has been reported to Police. People who have provided personal information to the website or who have had financial transactions through it should call HSBC on 2748 3322 and Police on 2860 5012. For more tips on online banking security click here.