The sun shines over a rundown office park somewhere in Southeast Asia, where it’s the start of a new business day. Alex, in his late 20s, was lured by promise of big bucks and fat bonuses, with no degree or special skills needed. By 8am, he settles into his cubicle with a coffee in hand, flips open his laptop and prepares to play his part.
The company Alex works for runs what’s known as a “Macau scam”. The name comes from the glitzy gambling hotspot in China, where organised crime groups reportedly perfected these cons. These days, the call centres are scattered all over the world, but the “Macau scammer” label stuck.
Alex’s workplace is packed with folks like him, wired up with headsets and VoIP phones that can fake local phone numbers. The boss sets daily quotas and offers bonuses when anyone gets a victim to transfer money. The mantra is simple: create fear and urgency so the victim doesn’t stop to think.
Alex flips open his folder which is full of flowcharts, dialogue trees, and intimidation tips. For him, it’s just another shift. For someone in Brunei, it could be the start of a nightmare.
The company Alex works for runs what’s known as a “Macau scam”. The name comes from the glitzy gambling hotspot in China, where organised crime groups reportedly perfected these cons. These days, the call centres are scattered all over the world, but the “Macau scammer” label stuck.
Alex’s workplace is packed with folks like him, wired up with headsets and VoIP phones that can fake local phone numbers. The boss sets daily quotas and offers bonuses when anyone gets a victim to transfer money. The mantra is simple: create fear and urgency so the victim doesn’t stop to think.
Alex flips open his folder which is full of flowcharts, dialogue trees, and intimidation tips. For him, it’s just another shift. For someone in Brunei, it could be the start of a nightmare.
A scammer’s script
The first number is dialled. An automated voice recording goes out:
“This is Baiduri Bank. We’ve detected a suspicious credit card transaction on your account. Press 1 to dispute.”
Most people hang up immediately. But some don’t. When they press 1, that’s when the real scam starts.
The call is rerouted to a scammer pretending to be a “bank officer” whose tone is serious but polite. They warn the victim about “unauthorised charges” and ask for account details to verify their identity. If the person hesitates, the scammer is trained to escalate.
“We need to involve the authorities. Please stay on the line while I transfer you to the police.”
Another scammer takes over, this time impersonating “law enforcement”. The language is firmer and more intimidating. The “officer” claims the victim’s identity is linked to money laundering or criminal activity. To avoid arrest, the victim must cooperate.
“If you fail to comply, your accounts will be suspended immediately and an arrest warrant will be issued.”
Now the pressure is on. Victims are told to transfer funds into a “safe account,” hand over confidential banking details, or even meet in person to deliver cash.
For Alex and his colleagues, it’s all routine — another name, another voice, another attempt to break down someone’s defences. For the victim, it feels terrifyingly real.
Most of you would be familiar with these phone calls where an “official” is warning about frozen accounts or fraud. But here’s the truth: it’s all rehearsed. Just a script. Nothing personal. And once you know the playbook, these calls are much easier to spot.
“This is Baiduri Bank. We’ve detected a suspicious credit card transaction on your account. Press 1 to dispute.”
Most people hang up immediately. But some don’t. When they press 1, that’s when the real scam starts.
The call is rerouted to a scammer pretending to be a “bank officer” whose tone is serious but polite. They warn the victim about “unauthorised charges” and ask for account details to verify their identity. If the person hesitates, the scammer is trained to escalate.
“We need to involve the authorities. Please stay on the line while I transfer you to the police.”
Another scammer takes over, this time impersonating “law enforcement”. The language is firmer and more intimidating. The “officer” claims the victim’s identity is linked to money laundering or criminal activity. To avoid arrest, the victim must cooperate.
“If you fail to comply, your accounts will be suspended immediately and an arrest warrant will be issued.”
Now the pressure is on. Victims are told to transfer funds into a “safe account,” hand over confidential banking details, or even meet in person to deliver cash.
For Alex and his colleagues, it’s all routine — another name, another voice, another attempt to break down someone’s defences. For the victim, it feels terrifyingly real.
Most of you would be familiar with these phone calls where an “official” is warning about frozen accounts or fraud. But here’s the truth: it’s all rehearsed. Just a script. Nothing personal. And once you know the playbook, these calls are much easier to spot.
Outsmart a scammer
So, what can you do to protect yourself? Here are three quick tips to stay safe:
Scripts are scripted, not personal: You’re one of many daily targets. These calls follow scripts and sound like a pressured pitch with cookie-cutter threats.
Authority + Urgency = Manipulation: Real banks, police or government agencies will never threaten arrest, demand urgency or request for sensitive information such as PINs, passwords or one-time passwords (OTPs) over the phone. They will also never instruct you to transfer funds or meet outside official premises.
Hanging up is protection, not rudeness: If in doubt, end the call immediately. It’s better to double check later by calling your bank or enforcement agency, then falling into the trap.
The next time your phone rings with that urgent vibe, remember Alex’s story. It's not about you, it's just his job. And the easiest way to outsmart the scammer is to hang up.
If you’re a Baiduri Bank customer and receive a suspicious call, contact our 24-hour Customer Helpline at 2449666. If you think you may have fallen victim to such a scam, call the Royal Brunei Police Force’s Anti-Scam Centre at 16993 right away for immediate guidance, and confirmation before making a police report.
Stay alert, stay calm and keep your money safe.
Stay alert, stay calm and keep your money safe.
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