The Hong Kong Interbank Clearing Limited (HKICL) has alerted the public to a fraudulent website operating under the guise of a legitimate payment service provider. The fake platform, hosted at hxxps[:]//hkrefundplatform[.]cfd/?uuid=refund, falsely presents itself as an official HKICL service offering buyer protection for Faster Payment System (FPS) transactions.
- Fraudulent URL: hxxps[:]//hkrefundplatform[.]cfd/?uuid=refund
- False Services Offered: Refunds for buyers, unauthorised transaction reporting, and FPS transaction support
- Data Targeted: Personal ID documents, ID photos, phone numbers, bank details, and account holder information
- Legitimate HKICL Websites: https://www.hkicl.com.hk and https://fps.hkicl.com.hk
The fraudulent site operates through multiple deceptive tactics. It solicits personal identification documents and ID photographs under the pretense of verifying user identity to claim cash rewards. The scheme escalates by requesting banking credentials, including account holder names and numbers, ostensibly to facilitate top-ups and withdrawals through the platform’s virtual wallet. Victims are subsequently directed to fraudsters posing as customer service representatives, creating additional vectors for financial exploitation.
HKICL emphasised that the fraudulent website operates with no authorisation or affiliation to the legitimate clearing house. The authority stressed that it does not typically provide direct FPS services to individual members of the public or initiate unsolicited contact with consumers. Members of the public should immediately verify any suspicious communications purportedly from HKICL by calling the authority’s general helpline at 2533 1111. Individuals who suspect they have fallen victim to fraudulent activity are urged to report the incident to local police without delay.
Hong Kong Interbank Clearing Limited operates as the primary clearing and settlement infrastructure provider for interbank payments in Hong Kong, including the widely-used FPS platform for retail and corporate transactions.
