The internet has brought us countless benefits, from finding information and connecting with friends to shopping, transactions, and even meeting romantic partners. While it simplifies our lives, it also opens doors to digital crimes.
Online scams are no longer new. Many people have fallen victim to them, and the damages vary. The methods used by scammers are increasingly diverse and target nearly every aspect of our digital activity.
Let’s take a look at the most common types of online scams so we can stay alert.
1. Phishing
Phishing involves sending messages that appear official but are actually fake—typically via email, WhatsApp, or SMS. For example, you might receive a link asking you to download an app or fill in personal details. In reality, these are traps designed to steal your sensitive information.
2. Identity Theft
This scam involves stealing personal documents such as ID cards, passports, or login credentials to open or access accounts—like bank, credit cards, or loans—in the victim’s name.
It often happens after a data leak. Once a criminal has your information, they can rack up bills or commit fraud using your identity.
3. Remote Access Scams
These usually start with phishing. Scammers trick victims into downloading “technical support” software. In truth, the app allows the scammer to spy on the victim’s device, stealing passwords, PINs, or OTPs to take over accounts.
4. Investment and Crypto Scams
Scammers lure victims with promises of high returns from fake investments in stocks, property, or cryptocurrency. Victims are pressured into transferring money quickly, after which the scammer disappears and the investment platform becomes inaccessible.
5. Threat and Extortion Scams
These scams prey on fear. Scammers impersonate law enforcement or officials and threaten victims with arrest, deportation, or jail unless they transfer money.
Example: a fake call from the “tax office” claiming you owe money and must pay immediately to avoid legal trouble.
6. Romance Scams
This scam plays on emotions. Scammers pose as ideal partners on dating apps or social media and build intense relationships over time. Once trust is established, they begin asking for money due to a supposed emergency.
Victims often send large sums of money without realizing it’s a scam. These cases may also involve identity theft and account takeovers—scammers might ask for your ID photo or social media login, then use it to apply for loans or scam your contacts.
7. Prize Scams
These are widespread and often target those tempted by offers of free gifts. Scammers claim you’ve won a large prize but need to pay a fee first. After payment, they disappear.
These scams often involve phishing links disguised as prize claims.
8. Disaster Relief and Donation Scams
During disasters, scammers pretend to represent charities and collect donations. In reality, the funds go into personal accounts and there is no real aid being delivered.
9. Online Job Offer Scams
Scammers offer fake jobs with high pay and minimal effort, then ask for registration, training, or document fees before disappearing.
10. Marketplace Scams
Fraudsters create fake seller profiles and offer popular products at low prices. After the buyer transfers money, no items are shipped.
11. Streaming Service Scams
Victims are offered cheap or lifetime subscriptions to streaming services via email or social media. After payment, the links stop working. Some scams also involve downloading fraudulent apps that steal data.
12. Fake Apps
Scammers create apps that mimic official ones (banks, couriers, e-commerce). When downloaded, these apps steal data or infect the device with malware.
How to Report Online Scams
If you fall victim to an online scam, don’t panic. Take the following steps to try to recover your losses:
1. Contact the Relevant Bank
Immediately notify the bank to which you sent money. Provide the scammer’s name and account number (if available), your transfer proof, and a brief explanation. The bank may temporarily freeze the account to prevent fund withdrawal.
2. Report to the Police
Visit the nearest police station with all evidence: screenshots of chats, transfer receipts, and details about the scammer. This strengthens your legal case and supports any account-blocking actions.
3. Use CekRekening.id
Go to www.cekrekening.id, enter the scammer’s bank account number, upload your evidence, and complete your personal information. The site helps build a national scammer account database.
4. Report to OJK via the Investment Alert Task Force (SWI)
If the scam involves illegal lending or fake investments, contact the Financial Services Authority (OJK) via SWI. They can help block accounts and escalate cases legally.
5. Report to the App or Platform
If the scam happened on an e-commerce site, loan app, or social media platform, use the in-app reporting feature. These platforms can suspend accounts or investigate internally.
Protect Yourself with Modern Authentication
To avoid online scams—especially phishing, malware, and identity theft—consider using biometric and device-based authentication:
-
Biometric Authentication (like facial recognition) is nearly impossible to spoof through phishing links.
-
Device-Based Authentication ties your account to a verified device using cryptography, making it inaccessible from unauthorized devices.
By understanding these scam types and how to defend against them, you can stay one step ahead in today’s risky digital world.
.png)
