Protect yourself from financial crime

Scammers may contact you via phone and claim that your bank account has been frozen. They may use fake bank documents, fraudulent bank IDs, and even phone apps that display foreign phone numbers to build trust and appear legitimate. The goal is to scare you into transferring or depositing funds into accounts controlled by the scammers.

To learn more about how to protect yourself from scams, read our red flag indicators (PDF).

Social media has become an important part of our daily lives, and unfortunately impersonators and cybercriminals often take advantage of social media to run various scams by pretending to be well-known brands and use numerous tactics by posting fake giveaways such as lost luggage, parcels for nominal price or advertisements on social media Marketplace with incredibly low prices to attract gullible individuals.

To learn more about how to protect yourself from scams, read our guide.

Fraudsters impersonate people or businesses you trust, to steal your money or personal information. Scammers often trick you into thinking they are a friend, family member or from organizations such as banks and local authorities.

Learn more about guarding against impersonation fraud. 

It's important to be aware that scammers are actively promoting unauthorised cryptocurrency investment schemes through compromised or hacked social media profiles. In some cases, there have been false notifications appearing to be from HSBC, referring to a crypto investment credit.

We want to make it clear that HSBC does not support or endorse such transactions, in compliance with the restrictions imposed by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka on crypto investments.

Learn more about how to protect yourself from crypto fraud.

Scammers might send you SMS messages from unknown phone numbers. These might be about packages that are being delivered to your address. Don't share your personal information, account or card details, or one-time passwords (OTP) with someone you don't know. Don't open any links sent by SMS, email, or through website pop-ups.

To learn more about how to protect yourself from scams, read our guide.

We're here to help protect your money and personal information from scammers. We encourage you to take control of your security and learn more about how to protect yourself from crime. Check our digital safety tips for more information.

There is a rise in malware-related payment fraud cases observed internationally. Malware, phishing, and ransomware are becoming increasingly common forms of attacks and can affect individuals. Malware is any software used to gain unauthorised access to mobile devices and computers to steal sensitive data, disrupt system services or manipulate information.

Find out more about malware-related fraud.

There are more hackers than you can imagine on the internet. Since you always take steps to keep your belongings safe, make sure you do the same in cyberspace too!

Learn more about how to protect yourself from scams (PDF).

• Phone and ask for your PIN or password to be provided verbally or by email
• Ask you to download any software or remotely access your computer
• Ask you to transfer money into another 'safe' account in your name – even if we suspect fraud
• Ask you to withdraw or deposit money
• Send someone to your home to collect cash, your PIN or cards or cheque books
• Ask you to deposit money when recruiting staff and we don't carry out any 3rd party recruitments

If you are concerned about fraud on your account, credit card, online banking or if you feel like your credentials are compromised, you may have been the victim of a cybercrime, immediately contact us on our Customer Service Hotline +94 11 447 2200 or visit an HSBC branch nearest to you.