Online Scams & Fraud in Indonesia
Indonesia faces a continuous threat in the form of online scams and fraud. Startling reports reveal that a staggering 25% of Indonesian citizens have fallen victim to the wily tactics employed by cybercriminals.
In response to this growing epidemic, Indonesian authorities are striving to combat these cyber threats through increased vigilance, public awareness campaigns, and the enactment of stringent cybersecurity regulations. However, the battle against online scams and fraud is an ongoing struggle, as criminals adapt and evolve their tactics to exploit the ever-expanding digital frontier.
Join us on this journey as we reveal where you can report scams in Indonesia, how to report online scams, and where you can get victim support.
Scam Statistics in Indonesia
The key statistics on online fraud in Indonesia, according to the Global Anti Scam Alliance.
| 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | |
| Population | 267 million | 270 million | 273 Million | 276 million |
| Internet Penetration | 40% | 48% | 54% | 62% |
| # of Scams | ||||
| Scams / 1,000 | ||||
| Money Lost | ||||
| Money Lost / Capita | ||||
| Money Lost / Report |
The figures in the table will differ strongly per year as various sources have been used, pending on availability.
Where Can I Report a Scam in Indonesia?
- The Police- You can also report online scams and fraud to the police at your nearest police station.
- People's Online Aspirations and Complaints Service (LAPOR!)- File your complaint here either through SMS 1708 (Telkomsel, Indosat, Three), Twitter @lapor1708, and mobile applications (Android and iOS).
How to Report a Scam in Indonesia
Reporting a scam is crucial. At the moment, only 7% of all scams are reported. As a result, only 0.05% of all cybercriminals are caught. Reporting online fraud is not only essential if you want to try and get your money back. It is also needed to help law enforcement fight scammers better.
- Gather info: Collect all information about the suspected fraud including the name, telephone, key web pages, emails, IP address, and any other information relevant. This is needed to file a complete report.
- Report the incident: Always report to your local law enforcement and note the file number they might provide for your fraud report for future reference.
- Stop the Money: Report the incident to the financial institution that transferred the money such as your bank, Paypal, credit card company, or the Internet payment service provider.
- Protect yourself: Scammers often contact you again. Sometimes with the same scam. Sometimes to help you “recover your money”. Consider changing your email address/phone number. Also, install the ScamAdviser browser extension to warn you of scams.
Our article “How and Where to Report a Scam” gives you more detail and tips on how you can best report online fraud.
Scam Victim Support in Indonesia
We are unaware of any scam victim support organization in Indonesia.
How to Check for a Scam in Indonesia
Of course, you can always check for scams on ScamAdviser.com. However, there are several other sources where you can check if a website is registered as a company and if it can offer financial, gambling, or other regulated services as well.
- Otoritas Jasa Keuangan (Consumer Education and Protection (EPK))- Check here for consumer-related scams. They also offer tips and guidance to consumers.
- Indonesian Financial Services Authority (OJK)- You can check for investment scams as well as financial-related scams here.
Popular Scams in Indonesia
Investment Scams
The allure of quick wealth has made investment scams a prevalent issue in Indonesia. In 2022, the country witnessed the aftermath of one particularly notorious platform as 144 individuals filed reports against it. Collectively, the reported losses were amounting to an estimated 83.3 billion rupiah ($5.7 million).
Sadly, this case is just one of many, as over 3,000 investment platforms have been shut down in recent years due to fraudulent activities. The victims of these scams are often younger than 40, socially media-savvy individuals who are lured by the promise of rapid financial gains. The combination of financial vulnerability and the desire for quick prosperity creates a fertile ground for scammers to exploit. This highlights the importance of heightened vigilance and education in protecting potential investors from falling victim to such schemes. Do your due diligence before giving your money to any investment platform or fund manager.
Scam News From Indonesia
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As the influence of the internet rises, so does the prevalence of online scams. There are fraudsters making all kinds of claims to trap victims online - from fake investment opportunities to online stores - and the internet allows them to operate from any part of the world with anonymity. The ability to spot online scams is an important skill to have as the virtual world is increasingly becoming a part of every facet of our lives. The below tips will help you identify the signs which can indicate that a website could be a scam. Common Sense: Too Good To Be True When looking for goods online, a great deal can be very enticing. A Gucci bag or a new iPhone for half the price? Who wouldn’t want to grab such a deal? Scammers know this too and try to take advantage of the fact. If an online deal looks too good to be true, think twice and double-check things. The easiest way to do this is to simply check out the same product at competing websites (that you trust). If the difference in prices is huge, it might be better to double-check the rest of the website. Check Out the Social Media Links Social media is a core part of ecommerce businesses these days and consumers often expect online shops to have a social media presence. Scammers know this and often insert logos of social media sites on their websites. Scratching beneath the surface often reveals this fu
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