How to Spot the Fake HBL App and Protect Your Bank Account
A dangerous new online fraud is preying on Pakistani bank customers, using social media advertisements to promote a counterfeit version of the Habib Bank Limited (HBL) mobile app. This deceptive application, which is being advertised as an “updated 2025 version,” is specifically designed to steal sensitive information from your bank cards.
While the fraudulent Facebook ad has since been removed, the dangerous link to the sign-up page is still active and remains a threat. The website’s URL is completely different from the actual HBL site, which uses the simple and secure address, “https://www.hbl.com/“.
The fake site is convincing, copying HBL’s official logos and even displaying pictures of their debit and credit cards to appear legitimate. Once a person is on the site, they are asked to enter their confidential card details, including:
- Card number
- CVV (the security code on the back)
- Expiration date
- Cardholder’s full name
- Mobile phone number
After providing their information, users are told that the bank will contact them within a couple of hours to verify a One-Time Password (OTP).
To protect yourself and your information, here’s what you should do:
- Never click on links in social media ads or unfamiliar websites to download banking apps. Always go directly to official app stores like the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Only trust official sources. The only real place to find the HBL app is on the official Google Play Store, and the only genuine website is
https://www.hbl.com/. - Report anything suspicious. If you see a deceptive ad or website, report it to HBL immediately and to relevant authorities in Pakistan, such as the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) or the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
- Never share confidential card information on a website that doesn’t have the correct, official HBL domain.
It’s important to remember that HBL has not released a separate “2025 version” of its mobile app. Always be cautious and confirm any banking communication or updates through HBL’s official and verified channels.
