HKMA takes anti-scam fight to the streets this Halloween

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) is introducing a street interactive experience in Central this Halloween, reminding citizens to stay vigilant at all times amidst the rise of scams.

The HKMA said the threat of scams is close at hand. It cited police statistics that nearly 30,000 scam cases were recorded in the first eight months of this year, with losses exceeding HK$5.2 billion. This means that, on average, citizens lose more than HK$15,000 per minute, and approximately one in every 250 people falls victim.

Taking place at Central Market, the initiative will feature all manner of spooky characters, including the terrifying figures such as the scammers who lurk around the clock, disguise themselves in various guises and stand ready to exploit any opening to cheat people out of their hard-earned money. 

As part of the experience, HKMA will teach the "Banana dance" (絕蕉舞) anti-scam moves on the spot, designed to counter its mascot "Lachachu" (嗱喳蕉) as it poses as fake customer service agents, public security officers, couriers and dating partners.

This Halloween, the HKMA seeks to encourage citizens to become anti-scam masters and launch anti-scam initiatives. Citizens who take a photo with the “Lachachu” during the event and upload it to social media will receive a “Lachachu” shopping bag, while stocks last.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to the HKMA for more information.

Don’t miss: HKMA unveils AI-generated music video to combat scams

HKMA has been leveraging its mascot “Lachachu” in its marketing initiatives to engage with the public. Back in February, it launched a music video generated by artificial intelligence (AI) to educate the public about uniting against scams. The music video was part of HKMA’s 2026 anti-fraud public education campaign, themed "Unite to fight scams" (全民聚焦 對抗罪蕉).

Inspired by the concept of a kung fu game and utilising AI technology, HKMA deputy chief executive Arthur Yuen has been transformed into a game character, facing off against the original fraudster character, “Lachachu”, in a battle between good and evil.

Related articles:

HKMA unveils AI-generated music video to combat scams
HKMA highlights positive GenAI findings for banks
HKMA banks on 'despicable banana' to fight rising scams