HKMA Launches Anti-Fraud Music Video Confronting Lachachu to Educate Public on Scams

HKMA releases new anti-fraud A.I. music video "Confronting Lachachu" while innovative promotional strategy wins international "Communications Initiative" award

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

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) today (March 13) released the full music video (MV) of its new anti-fraud song "Confronting Lachachu" under its 2026 anti-fraud public education campaign, aiming to deliver anti-fraud messages in an entertaining yet educational way, and to unite all sectors of the society in combating scams.

The new MV is inspired by the kung fu (martial arts) game concept and produced with artificial intelligence (AI) technology. It features Deputy Chief Executive of the HKMA Mr Arthur Yuen,who sings while transforming into a game character and facing off against theoriginal fraudster character "Lachachu" (despicable banana in Cantonese) in a battle between good and evil. The "Lachachu" disguises itself as various identities, including a ticket scalper, customer service representative, courier, and a dating partner, to entice members of the public into clicking suspicious links, disclosing personal information, or making instant fund transfers. The HKMA urges the public to remember three golden rules for fraud prevention:

• Click the links, fall for scams: Don't click on suspicious links;

• Path to quick cash leads to financial ruins: Never pay an advanced fee for a reward; and

• Fake romance drains real fortunes: Don't transfer money or share personal information in "online romances".

In recent years, the HKMA has been proactively enhancing public awareness of fraud prevention through innovative approaches. The launch of this new video sustains the down-to-earth approach in previous promotional efforts. With joint action in building a collective defence against scams in the society, fraud cases have shown signs of slowing down in recent years. The Hong Kong Police Force's statistics indicate that 43 212 fraud cases were recorded in 2025 - a 2.9 per cent drop from 2024, marking the first decrease since 2019.

The HKMA's approach to public education has garnered international recognition. The HKMA has launched an anti-fraud song "Don't Click Links Indiscriminately", co-performed by Yuen and singer Wan Kwong, as well as the "Lachachu"'s interactive promotion of anti-fraud messages in the community. These initiatives have been recognised with the "Central Banking Awards 2026 – Communications Initiative"by the international financial publication Central Banking. The HKMA expresses gratitude to the global judging panel for this acknowledgement. Going forward, the HKMA will continue to promote fraud prevention in collaboration with different stakeholders in ways that resonate with the public's lifestyle, continuously strengthening the robustness and resilience of Hong Kong's financial system.

The full version of the "Confronting Lachachu" is now available on the HKMA's official social media platforms.

HKMA's new anti-fraud A.I. music video "Confronting Lachachu", Photo source: HKMA

Secretary for Housing expresses condolences over passing of Dr Donald Liao

The Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho, today (March 13) expressed sorrow over the passing of the former Secretary for Housing, the first Director of Housing, and the former Chairman of the Housing Authority (HA), Dr Donald Liao, and extends her deepest condolences to his family.

The former Chairman of the Housing Authority (HA), Dr Donald Liao, Photo source: online image

Dr Liao was the first Director of Housing from 1973 to 1980 and the Secretary for Housing from 1980 to 1985.

Ms Ho said, "I met Dr Liao for the first time when we were filming the documentary series which commemorated the 50th anniversary of the HA. My colleagues and I were instantly impressed by his warmth and care for the younger generations amid robust exchanges on public housing, architecture and design, as well as community planning.

"As the pioneer of the Home Ownership Scheme in Hong Kong, Dr Liao established the subsidised sale housing system to facilitate not only the turnover of public rental housing, but also encourage upward mobility for the grassroots families. At his young age, he took charge of the entire development projects of Ma Tau Wai Estate and Wah Fu Estate, where he had placed particular emphasis on the integration of public spaces, ancillary facilities and natural environments in public housing designs. Dr Liao's career journey in public housing has been an inspiration to our team and he will remain our role model as we continue to strive our best in the design of public housing.

"I am deeply saddened by the passing of Dr Donald Liao and would like to express deepest condolences to his family on behalf of the Housing Bureau, the HA, and the Housing Department."

The Housing Authority (HA), Photo by Bastille Post