Beware of Smishing Scams: How to Avoid Them
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Customers of PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk are urged to remain vigilant against digital or cyber crimes, including smishing via SMS.
Smishing is a digital crime technique where perpetrators send SMS messages mimicking official bank communications. In some cases, they use sender numbers resembling the bank’s customer service to deceive victims.
The smishing scheme typically contains links that, when clicked, redirect victims to fake websites resembling the bank’s official page. These sites request sensitive information such as card numbers, PINs, OTP codes, card expiry dates, CVC/CVV codes, user IDs, and passwords, which criminals can use to access accounts. Providing such data allows fraudsters to conduct unauthorized transactions.
BRI’s IT Director, Saladin D Effendi, stated that a common tactic is distributing fake links through SMS, email, or messaging apps. These links mimic official appearances to steal sensitive data like user IDs, PINs, passwords, and OTPs via social engineering.
‘BRI advises the public not to trust suspicious links. Always access services through official BRI channels and never share personal data with anyone,’ he said in a press release dated Sunday, 31 May 2026.
Many people have suffered losses, including account theft, personal data breaches, and funds stolen due to fake links or suspicious messages. Thus, understanding cyber fraud like smishing is crucial.
If recipients receive suspicious messages claiming to be from BRI, customers are advised not to respond or click any links, and to enable transaction alerts via the BRImo app, SMS, or official BRI WhatsApp to detect suspicious activity promptly.
Customers are also urged to remain cautious of digital fraud attempts and not disclose banking information to unverified parties.
Tips to avoid smishing:
Do not click links without verifying they come from a legitimate source.
Check official websites.
Remember: never share passwords, PINs, or OTPs.
Regularly change passwords and PINs.
Most importantly, educate yourself and family, as many phishing victims lack digital literacy. Education is the primary defence against online scams.
Immediately change BRImo and ATM passwords or PINs if there is an indication that banking details have been shared with unverified parties.
For further information on BRI services, customers can contact official channels:
BRI Contact: 1500017
Sabrina WhatsApp: 0812-1214-017
BRI Official Website: https://bri.co.id
BRImo mobile banking app
BRI branches nationwide
Verified official BRI social media accounts