# Hilarious Crime-Themed Halloween Ads Butterfinger Debuted a Candy Criminal-Inspired Promotion By Grace Mahas | Published 2020-09-16 | Special Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/butterfinger References: [prnewswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-butterfinger-investigators-dedicated-to-foiling-the-hilarious-plans-of-butterfinger-thieves-301128590.html) & [butterfingercasefiles](https://butterfingercasefiles.com/en-us/AgeGate) With Halloween swiftly approaching, iconic confectionary brand, Butterfingers, is launching a fun social media challenging with the possibility of winning a $25,000 "treat." The campaign is accompanied by a hilarious television ad, which discusses the "criminal activity" that usually takes place around this spooky time of year—having your Butterfinger bars “go missing” in the weeks leading up to Halloween. In an effort to halt this criminal behavior, Butterfingers launched the new [Butterfinger Investigators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spirit-halloween-x-butterfinger) (BFI) to help bring "sticky-fingered chocolate lovers to justice once and for all." From now until November 6th, guilty parties can now rectify their actions and turn themselves in for the chance to win $25,000. To confess (and enter the contest), simply sign a digital “confession” for agents Hugh Dunnit and Ali Byes and share the confession on [Facebook](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bolthouse-fresh) and [Twitter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/limited-edition-bar) for more chances to win. Image Credit: Butterfinger ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.4/10 - Popularity: 26% | Activity: 67% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Special](https://www.trendhunter.com/special) > [Holiday](https://www.trendhunter.com/holiday) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Halloween-themed Promotions:** Brands can create themed promotions surrounding events like Halloween to increase user engagement and brand awareness. - **Interactive Social Media Challenges:** Social media challenges like confessing to crimes can boost user engagement and increase brand awareness for companies. - **Reward-based Advertising:** Offering a reward for user participation in branded promotions can increase user engagement and brand loyalty. ### Where This Applies - **Confectionery:** Confectionery companies can create themed promotions and reward-based advertising campaigns to increase user engagement and brand loyalty. - **Advertising:** Interactive social media challenges provide unique advertising opportunities for companies to increase their brand awareness and online presence. - **Entertainment:** Halloween-themed promotions can be leveraged by entertainment companies to increase their visibility and engagement on social media platforms. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Exclusive Candy Bar Costumes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spirit-halloween-x-butterfinger.md) - [Candy Bar-Infused Cream Cheeses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/butterfinger-schmear.md) - [Halloween-Inspired Pretzel Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pretzelface-campaign.md) - [Cringe-Worthy Photo Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cringe-or-candy.md) - [Collaboration Candy Bar Treats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/butterfinger-and-circle-k.md) - [Candy-Hiding Trick-or-Treat Bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trickortreat-bag.md) - [Nostalgic Candy Bar Cocktails](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/candy-bar-cocktail.md) - [Centenary Candy Collaborations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/butterfinger-celebrates-100-years.md) - [Candy Bowl Costumes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/trickortreatable-costume.md)