HSBC bank impersonation

Background

Scammers are targeting HSBC customers with scam calls and texts that appear to be from their bank.

How the scam works

Text

• You receive a text message, which may appear in the same thread as genuine text messages from HSBC

• The text message claims there was an attempt to gain access to your account or fraudulent activity

• It includes a phone number to call - this is not HSBC’s phone number

• The phone number connects HSBC customers to scammers who ask for your username, personal details and bank codes in order to gain access to your account.

Phone

• You receive a call from someone claiming to be a HSBC worker, from a number that looks to be the genuine HSBC phone line

• They claim there was an attempt to gain access to your account or fraudulent activity

• The scammer asks for your username, personal details and bank codes in order to gain access to your account.

Scam message screenshot

Protect yourself

• Never provide online banking passwords, one-time security codes, pins or tokens to anyone over the phone.

• Contact your bank or financial institution immediately, using your banking app or a phone number you have sourced yourself, if you have concerns about the security of your bank account.

What to do next

• Help others by reporting scams to Scamwatch.

• Tell your friends and family: it helps to share your experience, they can support you and you can help protect them from scams.