Anti-fraud campaign uses AI video and e-red packets for CNY
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority launched its 2026 anti-fraud public education campaign on February 12. The initiative integrates anti-fraud messages into electronic red packets for Chinese New Year, featuring an AI-powered music video and animated stickers.
AI-powered Kung Fu against scams
The HKMA's 2026 anti-fraud public education campaign, themed 'Unite to Fight Scams', leverages artificial intelligence to produce a new music video.
This video adopts a Kung Fu game concept, where HKMA Deputy Chief Executive Arthur Yuen transforms into a game character.
He engages in a battle of good versus evil against the original fraudster character 'Lachachu', which means 'despicable banana' in Cantonese.
The video illustrates how 'Lachachu' employs various changing identities to deceive the public, aiming to steal their trust, personal information, and money.
By depicting this duel, the HKMA seeks to draw significant public attention and encourage collective action to combat scams effectively.
A trailer for the music video has already been released on the HKMA's social media platforms, with the full version scheduled for an imminent launch.
This creative approach aims to embed crucial anti-fraud messages within an engaging and memorable format, reaching a broad audience during the festive season.
Festive greetings, vigilant transfers
Complementing the campaign, the HKMA introduced a new series of 'Horse Butler' animated stickers for the Year of the Horse.
These 10 stickers integrate festive greetings, daily transfers, financial innovation, and crucial fraud prevention messages.
The HKMA encourages the public to use the Faster Payment System or other e-wallets for distributing electronic red packets, while simultaneously reminding them to safeguard their savings and remain vigilant against fraud.
This initiative comes amidst a rise in fraudsters distributing fake Chinese New Year stickers or electronic lai-see containing phishing QR codes or malicious hyperlinks via instant messaging.
These scams aim to trick users into revealing personal information or transferring money.
The HKMA explicitly reiterates that it will never contact individuals regarding personal financial matters or direct them to conduct transactions or provide sensitive information via SMS or hyperlinks, urging the public to exercise high vigilance.
Gamified warnings for digital celebrations
The HKMA's strategy effectively modernizes anti-fraud education by meeting the public where they are: in digital festive celebrations.
While the use of AI and animated characters is innovative, the core message of vigilance against phishing remains a constant challenge in the digital age.
This blend of entertainment and essential warnings is a pragmatic step to protect consumers in an increasingly complex online environment.