Cybersecurity campaigns are often dull. Most of public and private messages are aimed at alerting the population about the dangers of cybercrime, bombarding users with technical and formal tips on how to avoid being scammed. This leads to a lack of interest from the audience and, consequently, a higher risk of being targeted by cybercriminals. That's why, at HSBC Argentina, we decided to shift the focus. By using humor, we created a piece that entertains while educating users about the most common cybercrime methods and how to avoid them.

With over 1.2 billion cyberattack attempts recorded in Argentina over the past year, cybercrime has become one of the most common and harmful practices in the country. In most cases, criminals deceive people to obtain personal and confidential information, such as passwords, banking details, and credit card numbers and PINs.

There are few mass campaigns aimed at raising awareness and providing digital education to users, and the few that exist are traditional, technical, and distant. The lack of access to education campaigns and the little interest they generate expose users to becoming victims of fraud and scams.

That's why HSBC Argentina decided to launch a high-impact spot that addresses the risks of operating online with humor, and shows how to protect personal information to avoid becoming a victim of these types of crimes.

At first glance, the film gives the impression that we are witnessing a typical scene of a lawyer reading a will in the presence of a few relatives. However, as soon as the lawyer starts reading the document, we realize that it's not a regular distribution of assets but the voluntary handing over of personal and financial information that a user has given to the various cybercriminals present in the room.

Create an entertaining piece that educates users about the most common types of cybercrime and how to avoid them.

TITLE: SUCCESSION

The scene begins in a very classy office. Behind an important wooden desk, we see a very elegant lawyer sitting next to his secretary, who hands him some sheets of paper. There are many expectant people in the room curious to see what he has to say.

The lawyer takes a sheet of paper out of an envelope and begins reading a will out loud.

I, VICTOR MENDEZ, OF SOUND MIND AND IN FULL EXERCISE OF MY FACULTIES, BEQUEATH MY ASSETS AS FOLLOWS:

People in the room look increasingly interested.

The lawyer reads on.

TO FREEONLINEMOVIES.COM, I LEAVE MY USER NAME AND PERSONAL HOME BANKING PASSWORD.

A couple in the room respond gratefully. The man lays a hand on his partner's shoulder to comfort her.

The lawyer reads on.

TO CRYPTOGURU.COM, A WIRE TRANSFER FOR 5,000 US DOLLARS.

A man nods and smiles, in appreciation.

The lawyer reads on.

TO THE PUBLIC NETWORK AIRPORT_GUESTS, I BEQUEATH MY NAVIGATION HISTORY, COOKIES, AND FULL ACCESS TO MY SHOPPING RECORDS.

A man seems visibly satisfied with the news.

The lawyer reads on.

TO NUMBERS +58931033 and +64084372…

At which point, a young man interrupts timidly.

I JUST WANTED TO POINT OUT THAT THOSE ARE ALL ME, JUST DIFFERENT SIM CARDS.

The lawyer nods to prove the point is taken and reads on.

IN THAT CASE, YOU ARE THE BENEFICIARY OF THE CREDIT CARD NUMBER AND SECURITY CODE, UNDER THE EXPLICIT CONDITION THAT YOU ACKNOWLEDGE, AND I QUOTE FROM WHATSAPP, “IT’S THE THIRD TIME YOU CONTACT ME OVER THE CREDIT CARDS. IT’S THE LAST TIME I’M SENDING YOU THIS INFORMATION. FIX THE PROBLEM ALREADY.”

The beneficiary smiles proudly, ironically opening his arms as to indicate that he understands the claim.

The lawyer seems to have finished reading the will when his secretary hands him a smaller envelope. He uses a letter opener to see what is inside.

The lawyer clears his throat.

EXCUSE ME. THERE WAS AN ADDITIONAL BENEFICIARY IN INCOGNITO MODE.

Two very attractive women look thrilled at the lawyer.

TO SINGLESLOOKINGTOMINGLE.COM, MY DEBIT CARD NUMBER AND SECURITY CODE, PLUS ACCESS TO MY CAMERA, MICROPHONE, AND GALLERY.

The meeting is coming to an end as the heirs congratulate each other. Meanwhile, the lawyer whispers ironically to his secretary.

QUIET GENEROUS MR. MENDEZ, RIGHT?

We cut to a frame with a painted portrait of Mr. Mendez holding a cell phone in his hand and with a worried expression on his face. Cut to super.

BEWARE OF WHO YOU LET INTO YOUR ONLINE LIFE.

Cut to Super.

LAST YEAR, OVER 1.2 BILLION CYBERATTACKS WERE RECORDED IN ARGENTINA.

Cut to Super.

LEARN HOW TO AVOID THEM AT HSBC.COM.AR/SEGURIDAD

Cut to Super.

HSBC. OPENING UP A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITY.