The Judiciary Police (PJ) issued a warning on Saturday after discovering scammers impersonating Banco Nacional Ultramarino (BNU) and sending phishing SMS messages to locals, causing losses of over 43,000 patacas.
According to a PJ statement, fraudsters have been randomly sending text messages claiming users can have their credit card annual fees waived, while enticing them to click on a link to apply for a refund of 1,200 patacas.
Once the link is opened, victims are directed to a fake BNU website, the statement said, adding that the phishing site requests personal details including name and mobile number, and asks users to input credit card information such as card number, expiry date and security code for “verification”.
After obtaining the information, the scammers use the stolen credit card details to carry out unauthorised transactions, the statement added.
According to the statement, at least two locals have fallen victim to the scam, with total losses exceeding 43,000 patacas.
The Judiciary Police reminded the public that local banks will not send SMS messages containing any links, urging residents not to click on any unverified links.
Residents who suspect they have been hit by a scam are advised to contact the Judiciary Police (PJ) Anti-Fraud Enquiry Hotline on 8800 7777 or call the emergency hotline on 993 for assistance.
BNU is a Portuguese bank and one of Macau’s two note-issuing banks, alongside the local branch of Bank of China (BOC).
This poster provided by the Judiciary Police (PJ) on Saturday urges residents to beware of fraudulent SMS messages.
