Hong Kong Monetary Authority warns of digital-HK-dollar loan scams
HKMA has received public queries about fake loan projects falsely linked to its digital-HK-dollar scheme. The authority says it has no connection with such scams and has reported them to police.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has warned the public about fraudulent lending projects falsely claiming to be linked to the authority's digital-currency initiative. The HKMA said it has received a large number of public enquiries about such scams, in which victims are tricked into signing agreements on the false promise that their loans will be converted into digital-HK-dollar assets.
The HKMA stated in a news release on 26 October that the fraudulent agreements and lending projects have no connection whatsoever with the authority. It reiterated that it never contacts members of the public about personal financial matters or conducts any fund transfers on their behalf.
The authority also stressed that all companies selected for its 'digital-HK-dollar' pilot scheme, as well as other organisations participating in HKMA sandbox programmes, do not raise funds from the public or offer any financial or investment products in the name of those programmes.
The HKMA said it has reported the matter to the Hong Kong police. It advised anyone who has provided personal data to suspicious websites or mobile applications, or who suspects they have been defrauded, to contact the police immediately or call the Hong Kong Police Force's Crime Headquarters Information Centre on 2860 5012.
Members of the public who have doubts about any scheme are urged to check the HKMA's official website at www.hkma.gov.hk.
