Avoid Cybercrime Ahead of Eid 2026: Steps That Need to Be Taken

JAKARTA – Ahead of the Eid 2026 holiday, the public is urged to be more cautious when conducting online transactions amid rising risks of cybercrime. The Cyber Crime Directorate of Polda Metro Jaya has recorded various digital fraud tactics that frequently emerge during spikes in bookings for travel tickets, accommodations, and vehicle rentals. Director of Cyber Crime at Polda Metro Jaya, Commissioner Roberto Pasaribu, stated that perpetrators exploit this period to lure victims through various methods. “The tactics used by criminals involve offering cheap air, land, and sea transport tickets, affordable accommodations, vehicle rentals, and the like via social media accounts or messaging applications,” Roberto told Kompas.com on Wednesday (18/3/2026). Scrutinise offers and do not trust them easily. The public is advised to always double-check every website or account offering online services. Checks can be performed using search engines such as Google or Chrome, as well as reviewing comments and ratings from other users. “You can also look at the comment section or ratings for that service; if the service offer site is not a well-known one,” Roberto said. Police emphasise that the public should never share access codes or email passwords (passwords) with anyone, especially through suspicious websites or messages. Requests for personal data, including OTP codes, are one of the common tactics used by criminals to take over victims’ accounts. Be wary of suspicious applications and links. The public is also urged to be cautious if instructed to download applications from unclear sources. Such applications may contain malware that can steal data or control victims’ devices. Report immediately if you become a victim. If you have already fallen victim to a scam, the public can report it immediately through police services at number 110 or other official channels. Reports can also be submitted to the Cyber Crime Directorate of Polda Metro Jaya or the Indonesia Anti-Scam Centre (IASC) of the Financial Services Authority (OJK). With increased vigilance and thoroughness in digital transactions, the public is expected to avoid various cybercrime tactics during the Eid holiday period.