Online scams are among the most common digital crimes today. Scammers use various tactics, from fake prize offers and job interview invitations to fraudulent investment schemes that drain victims’ savings.
If you fall victim to or witness an online scam, report it immediately to prevent the scammer from targeting others.
Here’s how to report online scams officially, easily, and accessibly.
Types of Online Scams
Before we dive into how to report them, let’s look at the most common types of online scams in Indonesia:
1. Online Shopping Scams
These frequently occur on social media or fake marketplaces. The scammer promotes items at low prices and asks the buyer to transfer money first—but never ships the item. Victims realize they've been scammed once the seller disappears.
Another method involves sending victims a fake site link with discounted products. To get the discount, victims are asked for personal info like phone numbers, bank account details, or card numbers—all of which are then stolen.
2. Phishing and Fake Links
Phishing scams trick people into clicking links that look like they’re from a bank, e-commerce site, or government institution. Once clicked, the victim is taken to a fake site and asked to enter their login credentials. These details are then used to hack into accounts.
3. Fake Job Interview Invitations
Job seekers are targeted with emails or WhatsApp messages claiming to be from reputable companies. Scammers offer job opportunities but ask for upfront fees for admin, uniforms, or training. Once the money is sent, the scammer disappears.
4. Ponzi or Fake Investment Schemes
Fake investment offers promise quick riches without proper OJK (Financial Services Authority) licensing. Victims are lured by convincing ads and fake testimonials. These schemes often end with victims losing large sums, as the money is never returned.
5. Illegal Online Loans (Unlicensed Lending Apps)
Victims are offered fast loans without collateral. But once the money is disbursed, extremely high interest rates kick in, and scammers may blackmail victims by threatening to leak their personal data.
Worse still, some victims never applied for a loan but still receive notifications claiming they owe money. This often happens when scammers obtain personal data from leaked sources or shady apps.
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed Online
Online scams can cause financial losses, leak personal data, and damage reputations. If you've been scammed, take the following steps to report it:
1. Report to the Bank Involved
If you transferred money to a scammer’s bank account, contact the bank immediately. Provide the recipient's name (if known), account number, transfer proof, and a short incident chronology.
The bank will usually temporarily freeze the scammer's account to prevent funds from being moved and start an investigation.
2. Use CekRekening.id
This is an official site by the Ministry of Communications and Digital (Komdigi) where victims can check and report suspicious bank accounts involved in online crimes.
Go to www.cekrekening.id, enter the account number, upload evidence (e.g., chat screenshots, proof of payment), and fill out your personal info as the complainant.
3. Report via Lapor.go.id
Lapor.go.id is an Indonesian government complaint portal. You can use it to report online scams.
Steps:
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Go to www.lapor.go.id
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Click “Buat Laporan” (Create Report)
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Fill in a detailed incident chronology
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Upload supporting documents
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Select the category “Penipuan Online” (Online Fraud)
Your report will be forwarded to the appropriate agency, such as Komdigi, OJK, or the police.
4. Report to the Financial Services Authority (OJK)
You can also report online financial scams to the OJK via the Investment Alert Task Force (SWI), which handles complaints about investment fraud and financial crimes. OJK can take action against scammers and block their assets or platforms.
5. Report to the Police
In addition to reporting to Komdigi, banks, or OJK, it's recommended to report the scam to the police.
Prepare:
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Proof of payment
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Screenshots of conversations with the scammer
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The scammer’s account or phone number
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A written chronology of the incident
6. Report on the Platform Where It Happened
If you were scammed through a marketplace, social media platform, or loan app, report it directly on the platform. Most apps provide fraud reporting features.
Online scams can happen to anyone. If you're a victim, act fast and use the available reporting channels. Quick action, strong evidence, and the courage to report are key to fighting digital crime in Indonesia.
But most importantly, safeguard your identity, bank accounts, e-wallets, and financial apps so you won’t ever need to search for ways to report an online scam.
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