Indicators Of Impersonation Of Bank Employees
Recently, there has been a surge in scams where fraudsters pose as bank employees to promote enticing account opening and loan programs. These scammers ultimately deceive and steal money from unsuspecting customers. In response, Hong Leong Bank has repeatedly issued warnings, urging customers to remain vigilant against these increasingly sophisticated impersonation tactics. To protect yourself, please take note of the following indicators:
1. Calls from unknown numbers
Scammers utilize technology to spoof fixed-line numbers or use unregistered SIM cards to make calls or send messages impersonating the bank, offering account openings and loans.
Moreover, these fraudsters often use profile pictures featuring the bank’s logo and may even send fake staff ID cards or counterfeit bank documents to build trust with customers.
| FRAUD | RIGHT |
| The scammers often use phone numbers that begin with prefixes such as: 024 888, 028 888, +231, +232, +247, +1900, and others. |
The official Hong Leong Bank's Customer Service Center’s phone numbers are :
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2. Impersonation of bank employees
| FRAUD | RIGHT |
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Scammers often introduce themselves as bank employees in a vague manner and quickly present attractive offers to lure the listener. At times, they impersonate actual bank employees, exploiting the trust of customers to request sensitive information. |
Hong Leong Bank employees will always introduce themselves as being from the Hong Leong Bank Customer Service Center or from a specific branch. The call will always include a notification that it is being recorded to ensure the maximum protection of customer rights. |
3. Request to share personal information or confidential security details
| FRAUD | RIGHT |
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The scammers lure you into registering for online account openings and loans through fake bank applications on mobile devices.
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Hong Leong Bank staff will never ask for personal information. Specifically they:
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4. Request to add friend on social media to assist with account opening and/or for loan guidance.
| FRAUD | RIGHT |
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Scammers will create fake social media accounts to impersonate bank employees to contact you via Facebook, Zalo, WhatsApp, etc., to assist you in applying for their Fake financial product or services. |
Hong Leong Bank only has two official channels for product applications:
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5. Biometric capture for Identity and document forgery.
| FRAUD | RIGHT |
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Scammers will request a video call for authentication. They do so to scan your face so they can impersonate you by creating fake documents to open financial products at other banks and financial institutions. |
Hong Leong Bank WILL NEVER request a video call to verify your identity. |
6. No answer when you call back.
| FRAUD | RIGHT |
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When you call back a suspicious phone number, there is either no signal, a very long wait for a connection, or there is a signal but no one answers. |
Your calling will be connected to the Customer Service Center of Hong Leong Bank immediately |
7. Create emergency situations to pressure and rush to you.
| FRAUD | RIGHT |
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Scammers often create emergency situations to pressure you into making rushed transactions in order to receive some promotions, special interest rates, or incentives. |
We will NEVER rush you to make any transactions. You will be guided carefully on how to open an account, issue a card, apply for a loan, or access other services that you need. |
Hong Leong Bank advises you to never provide any personal information or confidential security details (such as ID numbers, usernames, passwords, card numbers, account numbers, account balances, OTP verification codes, etc.) to anyone, under any circumstances.
Please regularly update yourself with the latest safe transaction guidelines on the Hong Leong Bank website. Additionally, proactively protect your own accounts and remain vigilant against fraudulent activities.
If you suspect or detect any signs of fraud or hacking, please promptly contact Hong Leong bank via Hotline 1900633068 (24/7), or visit the nearest bank branch for assistance (during business hours).