Combatting Scams: BCA's "Nurut Apa Kata Mama" Series
Kementerian Komunikasi dan Informatika (Kominfo) Indonesia has recorded a staggering 1,730 cases of online scams from August 2018 to February 16, 2023. The prevalence of online fraud has inflicted a massive financial loss on Indonesia, amounting to a staggering Rp 18.7 trillion during the period of 2017 to 2021.
The alarming statistics were revealed in a comprehensive National Research titled "Digital Fraud in Indonesia: Methods, Mediums, and Recommendations." The study was conducted through online surveys using non-probability sampling methods and involved 1,700 respondents from diverse demographic backgrounds across all 34 provinces of Indonesia. The research provided a stark reality check on the extent of scams prevalent in the digital realm.
Among the findings, respondents reported five types of scams to be most commonly encountered. Scams disguised as deceptive prizes or gifts were topping the list, affecting a staggering 91.2% of the respondents. Other prevalent scams included illegal digital loans (74.8%), the distribution of malicious links containing malware or viruses (65.2%), scams exploiting family crises (59.8%), and illegal investment schemes (56%). Conversely, the five types of scams that received the least response from the respondents were false school or scholarship acceptance offers (19.9%), fake job application responses (20.6%), digital wallet account hijacking (25.6%), romance or love scams (27.7%), and personal identity theft (29.2%).
The research highlighted that scam messages camouflaged as deceptive prizes were the most widespread, affecting 64.1% of the respondents. These scams spread massively via SMS, phone calls, social media, and more.
In response to the escalating threat of online hoaxes, scams, online gambling, and the spread of digital-based radicalism jeopardizing national unity, President Joko Widodo emphasized the need for a collective effort to flood the digital space with productive content. Speaking at the Digital Literacy Movement event at the Headquarters of the Indonesian National Armed Forces in Jakarta on June 13th, 2023, President Widodo stressed the importance of enhancing digital literacy among citizens to create content that is educational, calming, and promotes peace.
Numerous stakeholders have been actively engaged in combating online fraud, including reporting mechanisms, law enforcement efforts, victim protection, and preventive measures involving educating netizens. Various educational campaigns, infographics, memes, and activities have been done. The latest endeavor is done by PT Bank Central Asia Tbk (BCA) in collaboration with Imajinari, by launching an educational video series titled "Nurut Apa Kata Mama '' (Obeying What Mama Says) yesterday, July 24th, 2023.
The lighthearted comedy series "Nurut Apa Kata Mama" comprises eight episodes and will be uploaded regularly every Tuesday starting from July 25th, 2023, on BCA's YouTube channel. By portraying everyday life stories full of humor and wisdom, "Nurut Apa Kata Mama" seeks to establish an emotional connection with the audience, delivering both entertainment and meaningful messages.
The brainchild of producer Ernest Prakasa and director Muhadkly Acho, the series features a talented ensemble of actresses, actors, and comedians from Indonesia, including Asri Welas, Shenina Cinnamon, Arief Didu, Rohana Srimulat, Aci Resti, and Yono Bakrie.
BCA's Director, Santoso, explained that the video series aims to impart educational messages about self-protection against various scam schemes. "Nurut Apa Kata Mama '' represents a new form of easily digestible education for the broader public, presented by BCA and Imajinari. Through these efforts, stakeholders hope to raise awareness and empower individuals in the fight against online fraud in Indonesia.