The problem of fake websites, which are used by scammers to obtain personal financial data on clients, has arisen again in Hong Kong.

A Hong Kong-based bank has fired a warning about a fake website purporting to be issued by the bank, adding to a run of such alerts in recent years and highlighting a form of cybercrime.

The warning late last week came from Bank of China (Hong Kong). The address of the fraudulent website is http://home.privatebochk.com/privatebanking.html.

The website design is similar to BOCHK’s actual site, and is set up to steal client data, such as username and login passwords.

The matter has been reported to the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and Hong Kong Police Force. People who logged onto the site and provided it with personal information should call BOCHK's customer service hotline on (852) 3988 2388.

“Under no circumstances would BOCHK send out e-mails or SMS messages, or call customers asking them to call back or log into the website/mobile banking for system upgrade, or to provide or verify their personal information (including their passwords),” the bank said.

Other banks operating in Hong Kong that have warned about fake websites in the past include HSBC, Bank of East Asia and Hang Seng Bank.