Emirates NBD reveals how some people grow rich during the pandemic

Phishing is on the rise in the pandemic, and anyone can be a victim. In fact, online fraud in the United Arab Emirates increased by at least 250% last year, with at least 600,000 phishing attacks reported from April-June alone. Luckily, Leo Burnett Dubai and Emirates NBD debunk the frenzy around fraudsters and their tricks.

Meet James Jefferson (@jjj_jefferson)—born artist, motivational speaker and financial expert. He’s a man of extravagant nature, taking every opportunity to show off his exorbitant wealth and make everyone envious.

His job? Gaining people’s trust and using it to his advantage.

James is the author of the self-proclaimed best-selling book, How To Grow Rich During The Pandemic, in which he shares his stories and schemes to trick people. He gives the viewers a glimpse into the professional personas he defrauds: an immigration officer, a policeman and even a vaccine supplier.

Ultimately, James’ schemes start to unravel when an assistant has a negative reaction to the ‘vaccine’. The spot finally exposes James Jefferson as a complete fraud, in a rush to outrun blaring police sirens and helicopter surveillance.

“Fraudsters are preying on people’s inherent goodness, their trust, and the challenges they are facing due the pandemic,” Executive Creative Director Rafael Augusto comments, “We used dark humor to tell the story of a heartless fraudster who mocks the misery of his victims before his greed and ego eventually lead to his downfall.”

By producing a humorous take on a serious matter like phishing, Emirates NBD is able to keep people keen and knowledgeable about the different ways fraudsters “grow rich” during the pandemic. This fraudster proves a farce, but the threat remains very real.

Credits
Agency:  Leo Burnett
Global Chief Creative Officer:  Liz Taylor
Executive Creative Director:  Rafael Augusto
Senior Copywriter:  Farhan Siddiqui
Art Director:  Aditi Shah
Head  Of  Arabic:  Shadi  Kermasho
Senior Arabic Copywriter: Haytham  Lamah
Head of A/V Production:  Shereen Mustafa
Agency Producer:  Judy  Lamaa
Planning Director:  Pooja Beri
Junior Planner:  Lama Mosallem
COO & CDO:  Samer Shoueiry
Deputy Managing Director:  Joelle  Jammal
Group Communication Director: Sonal  Chaddha