Whether in an online or offline setting, it’s easy to think that we’ve seen it all when it comes to scams, kan?
But the reality is, scammers often find new ways to fool their next victim. To counter this, many creators on TikTok have been spreading awareness by sharing their personal encounters with scams, along with ways to identify and prevent them, under the banner of #ThinkTwice.
@moseswck Real life scam story!! I’m in my RottenMango era. Stitch this & do share your stories too if you have one! #ThinkTwice #FikirDulu #三思而后行 #முதலில்சிந்தியுங்கள் #DigitalLiteracy ♬ original sound – Moses Wong
The #ThinkTwice movement first gained traction with a TikTok video posted by local creator Moses Wong (@moseswck), who implored viewers to stitch their own videos. He then recounted a story where his own sister got involved in a job scam.
“How [the job scam] works is that you buy a specific thing from a seller and then afterwards you get rebates and commissions,” Wong said. “The agent [explained that] the more expensive things you buy, the more commissions and rebates you get.”
However, Wong’s sister grew suspicious when the “seller” didn’t give her any commissions or rebates, giving the excuse that she needed to buy even more expensive products first to qualify for them. Realising that this was a scam, she immediately cut off the “seller”.
Beyond just warning viewers, Moses urged others to also stitch the video with their own experiences and insights, sparking a flood of content from other creators and even everyday Malaysians sharing their personal scam experiences so that others can learn how to better protect themselves.
@isawkwardguy Protect yourself, and prevent scams with TikTok’s #ThinkTwice! Learn how to avoid being scammed and save yourself the trouble! #ThinkTwice #FikirDulu #三思而后行 #முதலில்சிந்தியுங்கள் ♬ original sound – J
Inspired by Moses, another TikTok creator J (@isawkwardguy) shared his chilling encounter with a Macau scam, a type of phishing and phone scam where scammers impersonate authorities.
He recounted receiving a high-pressure call from someone claiming to be from the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN), alleging he had unpaid taxes and threatening legal action if no immediate payment was made
Despite knowing he didn’t owe any income tax, the aggressive tone caused him to panic, reveal sensitive personal information, and almost make the payment, before his friend intervened.
He urged Malaysians to #ThinkTwice whenever they received such phone calls by being informed that legitimate officials would never ask for sensitive personal information via unofficial texts, emails, or phone calls, nor request for payments via unofficial peer-to-peer transfers.
@wfsufina Sama- sama kita kongsi cerita, sebarkan awareness. Kita jaga sesama kita supaya scammer tidak berleluasa. Sebelum click, sebelum share, fikir dulu, ThinkTwice. #ThinkTwice #FikirDulu #三思而后行 #முதலில்சிந்தியுங்கள் #DigitalLiteracy ♬ Music box and background music for sad scenes(1345342) – syummacha
Digital coach Sufina (@wfsufina) also participated in the #ThinkTwice trend by breaking down the anatomy of phishing scams in her video, where she retells the story of a 67-year-old retired teacher from Besut who lost RM82,600 after being lured by a fake e-commerce investment scheme.
She explains how scammers first gain trust by paying small returns, then pressure victims to keep sending money to different bank accounts.
To prevent this, Sufina urges viewers to stay sceptical of any “easy money” offers and to always verify through official channels, such as PDRM’s Semak Mule or Securities Commission’s Investment Checker, before making any payments.
@jestinna Sometimes being nice can cost you more than you think. My friend just wanted to help… but ended up in a scam. #ThinkTwice #FikirDulu #三思而后行 #முதலில்சிந்தியுங்கள் #DigitalLiteracy ♬ original sound – Jestinna Kuan
Popular local personality Jestinna Kuan (@jestinna) also chimed in, highlighting that: “Scams nowadays don’t just happen online, but they’re also bold enough to do it in person, face-to-face.”
She shared a harrowing story of a friend who was approached on the street by a couple posing as tourists, asking for help to take their photo. The scam escalated the moment her friend took the phone from them, then the screen suddenly went black.
The couple immediately accused her of breaking it and began guilt-tripping her. After exchanging contacts to “fix” the device, harassment began. The couple claimed the phone was beyond repair and demanded she pay for a brand-new replacement, eventually asking for RM3,000 to “split the cost” and began threatening her.
This is a classic tourist scam designed to trigger panic and guilt, using rigged devices to extort money from helpful citizens who feel responsible for the “accident.”
Jestinna’s advice is clear. She urges viewers to #ThinkTwice by taking a moment to pause, prevent, and protect. When in doubt, contact local authorities for guidance and support.
@cloutykee #stitch with @Moses Wong Stay safe from scams with TikTok’s #ThinkTwice! Learn how to spot scams and protect yourself! #ThinkTwice #FikirDulu #三思而后行 ♬ original sound – Kee
Meanwhile, TikTok creator Kee (@cloutykee) also joined in the #ThinkTwice trend by sharing another Macau and phishing scam that cost his best friend RM2,000, after scammers pretended to be a banker and a police officer via a phone call from an unknown number.
“They scare you first, then rush you into making a transfer,” he said, highlighting how fear and authority are used to trap victims.
“The first step in preventing scams is staying informed. This is a form of phishing and phone scam. For government transactions, please only use official websites and secure payment gateways, never via direct bank transfers. Remember to always verify the spelling of the email and website domain, too,” said Kee.
♬ original sound – Moses Wong – Moses Wong
As a result, many more Malaysians stitched Moses’s content with their own personal #ThinkTwice scam prevention tips.
A community that protects one another
The #ThinkTwice movement has now grown beyond just content. It has become a space where Malaysians use digital platforms like TikTok as a community that looks out for each other.
Comment sections are now filled with people sharing their own experiences, red flags to watch out for, and advice for others.
What began as individual stories has now transformed into a shared effort, proving that awareness grows stronger when the community steps up together.
Strengthening digital literacy through collaboration
#ThinkTwice is a digital literacy initiative by TikTok Malaysia that aims to cultivate a safer online space by nurturing a more informed community through simplified access to educational resources on scam prevention.
TikTok aims to spread awareness across millions of users nationwide through a multi-pronged approach in collaboration with the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), Securities Commission Malaysia (SC), and other key government agencies.
@tiktok_malaysia #ThinkTwice ♬ original sound – TikTok Malaysia
Its multilingual #ThinkTwice Knowledge Hub, available in English, Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, and Tamil, offers step-by-step safety guides and essential scam awareness information for all Malaysians.
The stories may differ, but the message stays the same. Pause before reacting. Prevent harm by verifying and reporting. Protect yourself and the people around you by spreading awareness.
The #ThinkTwice movement proves that Malaysians can leverage online communities as a force for good, to connect netizens in spreading awareness.
Malaysians can visit the multilingual knowledge hub by searching #ThinkTwice on TikTok and join the movement by stitching or duetting their own stories to help others stay safe.
For more information, please visit this link.
