HSBC warns of Internet scam

HSBC customers who have overseas accounts should be aware of an Internet scam that is being transmitted via e-mail.

An e-mail, with an exact replica of the HSBC logo, says that "the technical services of the bank are upgrading the software and people are invited to follow a link provided to confirm certain data to avoid blocking your access".

The e-mail says that "the instruction has been sent to all bank customers from all countries and is obligatory to follow."

Customers who follow the link provided are then asked to confirm personal details, their Internet banking username and password, card numbers and personal identification numbers.

An HSBC Malta spokesman yesterday said that the scam was one that had been aimed at big financial institutions and HSBC was one of them.

"Customers should be aware that the bank does not send these types of e-mails", the spokesman said.

Fraudsters operating via the Internet send these e-mails hoping to find someone gullible enough to give the details they want and then siphon the money from his accounts.