HSBC Bermuda is warning customers that scammers may try to trick them into sharing information about transactions.

Twynika Smith-Blakeney, HSBC’s head of financial crime and regulatory compliance, said some business clients have reported receiving calls from someone claiming to work for the bank.

She explained: “In these calls, the fraudster seeks confirmation of transactions and may provide convincing reference numbers to appear legitimate.

“If a client challenges the call, the fraudster may transfer the client to an alleged ‘manager’ or arrange a follow-up call from someone claiming to be a manager.”

She added that there have been repeated attempts involving major transactions across multiple business clients in recent weeks.

The bank said it would never ask a customer to share a password, personal identification number, one-time passcode or other security code, approve a payment they had not initiated, install software or give remote access to a device, or move money to a “safe” or “holding” account.

It advised clients getting an urgent call about suspected fraud to end the call and contact HSBC through a verified number. This can include one supplied by their relationship manager, published on the bank’s website or included in official correspondence.

HSBC said it was monitoring the activity and supporting the affected clients. It urged businesses to strengthen their internal payment controls, including call-backs using verified contact details, and ensure their staff can recognise impersonation attempts.