#XiamTheScams combines education and entertainment to combat rising scam cases.
The National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) has launched an interactive web game, #XiamTheScams, to raise public awareness about scams while offering players a chance to win over $200,000 worth of prizes, including $55,000 in cash.
Game Features and Rewards
Developed by gamification marketing company Sqkii, the life simulator game lets players select one of three characters to navigate scenarios that test their ability to detect and avoid scams. Spanning 90 storylines and hundreds of scenarios, the game will run until 22 January 2025.
Key prizes include:
$55,000 in cash: Top 100 players will share the pool, with $10,000 awarded to the top player.
Gift boxes: Contain vouchers and items like iPhones, PlayStations, and Logitech peripherals.
Tackling Scams Through Gamification
The initiative follows the success of Sqkii’s #HuntTheMouse game and aims to address the alarming rise in scam-related losses. Since 2019, scams in Singapore have resulted in over $2.7 billion in losses, including $385.6 million in the first half of 2024 alone.
NCPC chairman Gerald Singham stated, “Scams are evolving rapidly and often appear legitimate. Through gamification, we hope to educate the public on identifying scams in a fun and engaging manner.”
Broader Anti-Scam Measures
The game complements NCPC’s new ScamShield Suite, introduced on 27 September 2024, to consolidate various anti-scam initiatives. The approach reflects NCPC’s commitment to leveraging technology and creativity in fighting scams.
