The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Hong Kong Association of Banks (HKAB) jointly organised the launch ceremony for the Smart Seniors Anti-Scam Ambassador Programme on 23 June 2025.

Both the HKMA and the banking sector have been actively promoting anti-scam awareness through multiple channels. One key initiative is the Smart Seniors Anti-Scam Ambassador Programme, which focuses on educating the elderly about scam prevention.

By visiting elderly centres across all 18 districts in Hong Kong, the programme empowers seniors to become anti-scam ambassadors, encouraging them to spread awareness and share key prevention messages with their families and communities.

At the launch ceremony, the HKMA showcased the Money Safe initiative alongside other anti-scam measures.

With backing from the banking industry, 14 banks will roll out interim Money Safe measures by the end of June, offering added protection for elderly and other customers’ bank deposits. All retail banks are expected to fully implement Money Safe by this year’s end.

Mr Arthur Yuen, Deputy Chief Executive of the HKMA, said,

“The HKMA attaches great importance to scam prevention work for the elderly. Through the ‘Smart Seniors Anti-Scam Ambassador Programme’, we hope to reach out to the community and convey anti-scam messages to more seniors through the elderly ambassadors.”

Ms Mary Huen, Chairperson of the HKAB, added,

“Strengthening consumer and investor protection is a top priority for the HKAB. Earlier this year, we established a dedicated ‘Anti-Fraud Education Taskforce’ to coordinate diverse outreach activities and educational programmes targeting various vulnerable groups within the community.”

Two promotional videos styled after vintage Cantonese films premiered at the event. Featuring the mnemonic Three Anti-Scam Tactics – Keep Calm, Give Nothing, Verify and Seek Help,  the videos remind the elderly that scams are often old tricks repackaged in new forms.

Featured image by HKMA on the HKMA website