Replying to inquiries by lawmaker Edward Leung Hei, Hui said a total of 339 cases related to online credit card misuse worth HK$5 million were reported to police between January and September this year. 

The numbers were close to last year's figures, in which there were altogether 371 cases with losses worth HK$5.5 million year-round. 

According to the statistics, about 19.05 million of credit cards were issued by the end of the 2021. 

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority also received 307 complaints regarding unauthorized credit card transactions from January to October this year, Hui added. 

The number of complaints received by the HKMA rose sharply from 53 in 2017 to 88 in 2020, and further to 329 in 2021. 

The treasurer reminded citizens that if the cardholder has not acted fraudulently or with gross negligence, he or she is not responsible for the unauthorized transaction. 

Hongkongers should also enquire with the banks and report to police as soon as possible if they suspect their credit card information has been stolen for unauthorized transactions.