The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

     The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) today (February 12) launched the 2026 anti-fraud public education campaign themed "Unite to Fight Scams", and introduced a new series of animated Year of the Horse stickers, "Horse Butler", as the Chinese New Year approaches, integrating anti-fraud messages into the everyday scenario of distributing electronic red packets (lai-see).

(1) Anti-Fraud Public Education Campaign 2026 (Annex)
     The first campaign project utilises artificial intelligence technology to create a brand-new anti-fraud music video. Based on the concept of Kung Fu (martial arts) game, Deputy Chief Executive of the HKMA Mr Arthur Yuen transforms into a game character, facing off against the original fraudster character "Lachachu" (despicable banana in Cantonese) in a battle between good and evil.

     In the music video, the "Lachachu" utilises the myriads of changing identities to swindle members of the public out of their trust, personal information, and money. Through this "good versus evil" duel, the HKMA aims to rally public attention and collective efforts to combat scams.

     The trailer has been released on the HKMA social media platforms, with the full version to be launched soon.

(2) "Horse Butler" Animated Stickers (Annex)
     The new series features the HKMA’s original character, "Horse Butler", and includes 10 animated stickers covering themes such as festive greetings, daily transfers, financial innovation, and fraud prevention.

     The HKMA encourages the public to distribute lai-see via the Faster Payment System or other e-wallets, and wishes to remind the public to protect their savings and guard against fraud when sending festive greetings to relatives and friends.

     The sticker series has been uploaded to official platforms (Chinese version only); the public should download it only through official channels. WhatsApp users can visit: whatsticker.online/p/781320YRPwk4T/HK/zh, or search for "金管局 – 2026馬年行大運" in the WhatSticker app to download; WeChat users can download it from the "香港金融管理局" WeChat official account.

(3) Beware of Chinese New Year Sticker Scams
     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 reiterates that it will not contact individual members of the public regarding personal financial matters, nor will it direct them to conduct transactions or provide any sensitive personal information via SMS or hyperlinks.

Ends/Thursday, February 12, 2026
Issued at HKT 17:40

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