HKMA launches 2026 anti-fraud campaign for Chinese New Year

Hong Kong – The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has rolled out its 2026 anti-fraud campaign, “Unite to Fight Scams”, and introduced new Year of the Horse animated stickers to raise scam awareness during the electronic lai-see (red packets) season.

The first campaign project uses artificial intelligence to create an anti-fraud music video. Inspired by a Kung Fu-style game, deputy chief executive Arthur Yuen transforms into a game character, facing off against the fraudster character “Lachachu” (meaning “despicable banana” in Cantonese) in a battle of good versus evil.

In the video, Lachachu changes identities to trick the public out of their trust, personal information, and money. The HKMA said the “good versus evil” narrative is designed to draw public attention and encourage collective efforts to combat scams. A trailer has been released on the HKMA’s social media platforms, with the full video set to launch soon.

In addition to the music video, the HKMA introduced a “Horse Butler” animated sticker series. The 10 stickers cover themes including festive greetings, daily transfers, financial innovation, and fraud prevention. The HKMA encourages the public to send lai-see via the Faster Payment System or other e-wallets and to remain vigilant against fraud when sending festive greetings.

The stickers are available on official channels (Chinese version only). WhatsApp users can download them viaWhatSticker or by searching “金管局 – 2026馬年行大運” in the app; WeChat users can access them through the “香港金融管理局” official account.

The HKMA also issued a warning about fraudulent Chinese New Year stickers and electronic lai-see carrying phishing QR codes or links. 

The authority said, “Lately, there have been fraudsters distributing fraudulent Chinese New Year stickers or electronic lai-see with phishing QR codes or hyperlinks via instant messaging software, tricking users into receiving lai-see or greeting cards, and attempting to steal personal information or money. Members of the public should stay highly vigilant during the festive season.”

The HKMA reiterated that it will not contact individuals regarding personal financial matters, nor will it ask them to conduct transactions or provide sensitive information via SMS or hyperlinks.