MPF operator tightens identity verification process in wake of scam

South China Morning PostEN 1 min read 100% complete by Leopold ChenJanuary 25, 2026 at 10:36 AM

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The operator of Hong Kong's Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) has strengthened its online security measures following a scam where criminals stole HK$1.8 million from pension accounts. The MPF authority has discontinued the "electronic Know-Your-Customer" (eKYC) face-recognition system used for online registration with the eMPF platform. This decision was made after scammers used forged identity cards to bypass the eKYC system and fraudulently access funds. Going forward, all users will be required to register through the government's iAM Smart app, which offers enhanced verification measures. The authority stated that the scam did not involve data leaks from eMPF, but the change aims to better protect users' retirement savings.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

electronic Know-Your-Customer (eKYC) ×260% Scam ×260% eMPF ×670% Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority 70% Hong Kong 70% iAM Smart ×580% Ayesha Macpherson Lau ×380% Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) ×390%

Keywords

mandatory provident fund 100% identity verification 90% online security 80% scam 80% empf 70% iam smart 70% ekyc 60% pension 60% retirement savings 50% forged identity cards 50%

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Neutral

Score: -0.10

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South China Morning Post

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90%

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Hong Kong

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mandatory provident fund identity verification online security scam empf iam smart ekyc pension retirement savings forged identity cards

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