Money Safe
An optional anti-fraud service to protect your bank deposits from scams and unauthorized access.
To facilitate an extra layer of security for the customers' funds in bank accounts, Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has provided a set of guidelines under "Money Safe" (MS) as a deposit protective measure to enable customers to protect their bank deposits from any unauthorized fund outflows.
Once the customer has marked/segregated his deposit for coverage under Money Safe, the amount cannot be withdrawn unless and until the customer personally visits the branch. To access the funds, a face-to-face interaction and verification at branch is required. This helps the money to be secured from unauthorized access from scammers.
Rising Scam Threats
Scam losses in Hong Kong reached HK$5.82 billion in the first 8 months of 2024, up 38.6% year-over-year. The HKMA launched Money Safe to help protect your funds.
Money Safe is an optional anti-fraud service introduced by the HKMA to empower customers to protect their bank deposits from scams and unauthorized access. It allows you to lock all or part of your account balance in a secure "pot," preventing easy transfers by fraudsters.
With scam losses rising sharply (e.g., HK$5.82 billion in the first 8 months of 2024, up 38.6% YoY), the HKMA launched this voluntary feature to add an extra layer of security. It creates barriers to high-risk actions like instant transfers, helping safeguard your funds.
- Current and savings accounts
- Time deposits (HKD and foreign currencies)
Locked funds are held in a dedicated Lien amount (e.g., "Money Safe Pot").
Please contact UCO Bank Branch
2/F Astoria Building, Tsim Sha Tsui
Phone: +852 25249240
No specific limit under Money Safe—you can lock your entire balance or any portion. Protected funds remain eligible for the Deposit Protection Scheme (up to HK$800,000 per depositor if the bank fails).
Yes, but with safeguards:
- A 3-day cooling-off period applies when activating, canceling, or adjusting the lock.
- Unlocking requires bank verification (e.g., for "good reasons" confirmed by staff).
Interest on locked time deposits continues to accrue normally.
Please contact UCO Bank Branch
2/F Astoria Building, Tsim Sha Tsui
Phone: +852 25249240
Contact our staff for expedited verification. The feature balances security with flexibility, ensuring you can unlock funds when legitimately needed.
Unlike the DPS (which covers bank failure), Money Safe targets fraud during normal operations. It complements features like transaction alerts and payee verification.
- Download/open our banking app and navigate to the Security/Anti-Fraud section.
- Or visit a branch for assistance. Look for the Money Safe logo on our app and statements.
HKMA Website
www.hkma.gov.hk (search "Money Safe")UCO Bank Customer Service
+852 25249240
HKMA Anti-Scam Hotline
182 22 (for general fraud advice)
Your funds are safer with Money Safe
Lock them today to stay one step ahead of scammers.
Disclaimer: This is a bank-supported HKMA initiative, not a guarantee against all risks.
Last updated: December 2025