HKMA 2026 Chinese New Year anti-fraud and electronic lai-see campaign
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 " – 2026" in the WhatSticker app to download; WeChat users can download it from the "" 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 individualmembers 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.
Source: AI-found images
Update on chikungunya fever
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health announced that, as of 5pm today (February 12), no new cases of chikungunya fever (CF) had been recorded.
Latest surveillance data
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Hong Kong has recorded two confirmed CF cases so far this year, all of which were imported cases. Last year, Hong Kong recorded a total of 82 confirmed CF cases. Among them, 11 were local cases, and the rest were imported cases.
Since the beginning of 2025, and as of December 10, 2025, a total of 502 264 CF cases and 186 CF-related deaths have been reported in over 40 countries/territories. Cases have been reported in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe. Although the northern hemisphere is currently in the winter season, temperatures in subtropical and some temperate regions remain elevated due to climate change, creating favourable conditions for mosquito breeding. In addition, CF outbreaks continue to occur in many countries worldwide. The risk of imported cases persists. Members of the public should check the situation of the destinations before travelling abroad, especially when travelling to Southeast Asian countries.
Continuously strengthening prevention and control
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Given that some local cases of CF have visited the Tsing Yi Nature Trails or the surrounding area in November last year, the trails are currently closed until further notice. Relevant government departments (including the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), Kwai Tsing District Office, Lands Department, Drainage Services Department, and Civil Engineering and Development Department) have been continuously conducting comprehensive mosquito control and environmental remediation work along the trails. Since the confirmation on December 10, 2025, of a case involving a person who had visited the Tsing Yi Nature Trails on November 30, 2025, no further local cases have been recorded to date.
The FEHD and relevant departments have comprehensively enhanced the mosquito control operations in Hong Kong since July last year, and this has continued. Among these, the FEHD has conducted vector investigations and targeted mosquito control operations against the imported and local cases. In light of the local cases, the FEHD has immediately conducted follow-up actions, including:
carrying out intensive fogging in scrubby areas within a 250-metre radius of the relevant locations to kill adult mosquitoes;
carrying out inspections of the locations, removing stagnant water, applying insecticides and disposing of abandoned water containers every week with a view to preventing mosquito breeding; and
enhancing public education efforts through organising health talks, setting up mobile education stations, and distributing publicity leaflets.
The abovementioned measures will be continued. Furthermore, the Government will further enhance the mosquito control efforts in addition to the existing measures.
Preventive measures to be taken by the public
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Members of the public should use DEET-containing insect repellents or other effective active ingredients properly to prevent mosquito bites, but the following precautions should be taken when using them:
read the label instructions carefully first;
apply right before entering an area with a risk of mosquito bites;
apply on exposed skin and clothing;
use DEET of up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children (for children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic and where exposure is likely, those aged 2 months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a DEET concentration of up to 30 per cent);
apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent;
reapply only when needed and follow the instructions; and
in addition to DEET, there are other insect repellents available on the market containing different active ingredients, such as IR3535 and picaridin. When using any insect repellent, the public should follow the usage instructions and precautions on the product label.
The FEHD also appeals to members of the public to continue to stay alert and work together to carry out mosquito prevention and control measures early, including inspecting their homes and surroundings to remove potential breeding grounds, changing water in vases and scrubbing their inner surfaces, removing water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week, and properly disposing of containers such as empty cans and lunch boxes. The FEHD also advises members of the public and property management agencies to keep drains free of blockage and level all defective ground surfaces to prevent the accumulation of water. They should also scrub all drains and surface sewers with an alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.
The public should call 1823 in case of mosquito problems, and may visit the following pages for more information: the CF page of theCHPand theTravel Health Service, the latestTravel Health News,tips for using insect repellents, and the CHPFacebook Page,Instagram AccountandYouTube Channel, and also theMosquito Prevention and Control dedicated pageof the FEHD.
Source: AI-found images
