Unauthorized Credit Card Transactions Surge in Hong Kong

• •Over 1,200 unauthorized transactions reported, totaling HK$25 million.
• •Investigations focus on phishing scams and compromised third-party platforms.
• •No evidence of a cyber attack on banks or Apple; transactions bypassed OTP verification.

Recent reports indicate that over 1,200 Hong Kong residents have experienced unauthorized credit card transactions, primarily involving the purchase of iPhones, totaling approximately HK$25 million in losses. The police have classified this case as obtaining property by deception and are investigating the source of the leaked credit card information. There are no indications of a cyber attack on Apple or the banks involved, as their systems remain operational. The unauthorized transactions did not require one-time password verification, allowing criminals to exploit this vulnerability. Cybercriminals may have obtained credit card information through phishing scams or compromised third-party platforms. Affected individuals are urged to review their credit card statements and enhance their cybersecurity awareness. The investigation is ongoing, with police analyzing digital footprints and common platforms used by victims.