Tag: anti-scam

Indonesia – Indonesian e-wallet platform DANA has partnered with Epic Idea on a new campaign that creatively uses humour and wordplay to make digital scam awareness both memorable and engaging.

Titled #AwasJebakanBadman (#BewareOfBadmanTrap), the campaign film combines humour with vital scam awareness tips to warn users about the digital risks they face. Stepping away from the typical serious tone of PSAs, the video uses playful humour and Indonesian-style wordplay to deliver its message in a more engaging, memorable way.

The spot also features Dr. Boyke, a well-known Indonesian OB-GYN and sexologist, bringing a unique and unforgettable edge to the campaign. His unexpected appearance adds a twist that captures attention and keeps viewers engaged, offering a refreshing contrast to the typical financial expert usually seen in PSAs.

Created by Epic Idea, the campaign reimagines the classic PSA format, showing that scam prevention can be fun, memorable, and distinctly Indonesian. Far from just another awareness campaign, it’s a bold and culturally resonant reminder that knowing how to avoid a ‘Badman’ is not only essential but also entertaining.

Max Roza Natadjaya, creative director at Epic Idea, said, “Indonesians have a unique sense of humor. We love wordplay that suggests something cheeky without outright saying it. It makes people laugh, and it sticks with them. By playing to this, we’re able to deliver scam awareness tips that feel less like a lecture and more like a fun conversation.”

Audra Syah Rasjid, creative lead at EPIC IDEA, also shared, “Dr. Boyke brings an energy that’s approachable, entertaining, and above all, memorable. When we thought about who could capture that playful, slightly cheeky tone we wanted, he was the perfect fit. His background makes the message feel less formal, and his humor ensures it’s something people will talk about.”

Singapore – As part of its anti-scam measures, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has partnered with telcos Singtel, M1, StarHub, and SIMBA to allow mobile subscribers in Singapore to block calls from international numbers.

Starting January 5 onwards, Singaporean mobile users will have the option to subscribe to call blocking services offered by Singtel, M1, StarHub, and SIMBA. By opting in, all calls made from international numbers will automatically be blocked. On the other hand, calls made from Singapore numbers, including those using overseas roaming, will be received as per normal.

Subscribers using the service can also enable and disable the international number blocking option based on their needs, such as if they’re expecting international calls or when they’re travelling overseas.

This new service is part of IMDA’s multi-layered measures for fighting scammers, including those operating from overseas. IMDA has been working with several telcos to solve Singapore’s problem with international scam calls and messages.

Since 2023, the telcos have recorded more than 300 million scam calls, and approximately one in every four incoming calls from international numbers has been blocked for this period.

IMDA is also working with telcos on plans to extend the service by blocking SMS from international numbers as well.

In a press release, IMDA stated, “Combatting scams is a whole-of-society effort, and the public should continue to remain vigilant. The public should continue to exercise caution when receiving calls and SMS as scammers’ tactics continue to evolve. Scammers will continue to change their methods and tactics, and there is no foolproof measure even as we continue to monitor and implement additional safeguards.”

The statement continued, “IMDA will continue to work with other stakeholders in the fight against scams. A discerning public is the key in this fight, where consumers are individually alert and raise collective awareness by sharing scam prevention tips with friends and loved ones.”