Beware of phony journalists

Beware of phony journalists

JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta chapter of the Indonesian Journalists Association has warned the public against certain people who claimed to be journalists

These phony journalists have blackmailed many people, a leading official of the association said.

"They have tainted our ranks for their own financial gain. So beware of bogus journalist," said the official, who requested anonymity.

He said bogus reporters come to either state institutions or private companies, asking for interviews with top executives. "After that they ask for money for the interviews saying the interviews will soon be published in certain newspapers."

"If you happen to bump into such people, ask them to show identification, including their official press card, issued by PWI (the Indonesian Journalists Association)," he said.(bas)