HKMA Issues Chinese New Year Anti-Fraud Alert Amid Electronic Lai-See Scams

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has launched its 2026 anti-fraud campaign ahead of the Lunar New Year, warning the public of rising scams related to electronic lai-see (digital red packets) and festive stickers. Under the theme “Unite to Fight Scams,” the campaign combines public education with festive engagement, using animated content to highlight risks of identity theft, phishing, and financial fraud.

Central to the campaign is a new AI-powered music video, depicting a Kung Fu-style duel between HKMA Deputy Chief Executive Arthur Yuen and a fraudster character called “Lachachu.” The video illustrates how scammers manipulate multiple identities to exploit the public, aiming to raise awareness of deceptive schemes that target personal information, bank credentials, and money transfers. A trailer has been shared across HKMA social media channels, with the full version scheduled for release soon.

Alongside the video, HKMA introduced the “Horse Butler” sticker series, featuring 10 animated stickers for festive greetings, everyday transfers, financial innovation, and fraud prevention. The stickers are intended for use through official channels such as the Faster Payment System, e-wallets, and verified downloads on WhatsApp and WeChat. The HKMA stresses that only stickers obtained through official platforms are safe, warning that fraudulent stickers may contain phishing links designed to steal personal information or funds.

HKMA has reported recent cases where fraudsters circulated fake Chinese New Year stickers or electronic lai-see embedded with malicious QR codes or hyperlinks via instant messaging apps. These fraudulent messages attempt to lure recipients into revealing sensitive data or authorising payments. The regulator reiterates that it will never request personal financial information or direct transactions via SMS, email, or hyperlinks, and urges the public to remain vigilant, especially during festive seasons when scammers exploit holiday goodwill.