Caution Advised: These are the 5 Most Common Financial Fraud Methods Currently Occurring
Jakarta, VIVA – The Illegal Financial Activities Eradication Task Force (Satgas PASTI) has revealed that there are currently five fraudulent methods most frequently used by perpetrators to harm the public. It has been emphasised that these must be approached with extreme caution.
The Chairman of the Satgas PASTI Secretariat, Hudiyanto, disclosed that the five methods include: threats and intimidation accompanied by the misuse of personal data; fund disbursements without consent; fraud impersonating official institutions; illegal investments, commission-based tasks, and online transaction fraud; as well as services promising loan settlements, debt whitewashing, loan data deletion, and credit history repair.
“These modes of fraud exploit digital technological developments, the misuse of personal data, and low public vigilance towards various unauthorised financial offers,” Hudiyanto stated in a briefing in Jakarta, as reported on Wednesday, 2 September 2026.
Regarding threats and intimidation involving the misuse of personal data, Satgas PASTI advises the public not to make payments solely due to pressure or fear, to avoid opening links or installing applications sent by perpetrators, and to refrain from granting access to mobile phones, contact lists, photo galleries, or other personal data.
In the case of unauthorised fund disbursements, the public is advised not to use such funds and not to immediately return them to accounts provided via telephone, SMS, or WhatsApp.
Furthermore, individuals are urged to immediately confirm and report such incidents to their banks through official channels to verify the origin of the transaction and ensure appropriate handling.
Regarding impersonation fraud, the public is requested to ensure all information is obtained through official channels and to never provide OTPs, PINs, passwords, verification codes, or device access to unsolicited callers. If suspicious information is received, the public should immediately seek confirmation through the official channels of the relevant institution.
Concerning illegal investment schemes, Satgas PAIT also urges the public to be wary of any offers promising high returns without clear risks, to remain sceptical of testimonials circulating on social media or chat groups, and to cease transactions if perpetrators continue to demand additional payments.
Finally, regarding services for loan settlement, debt whitewashing, loan data deletion, and credit history repair, the public must understand that no party can instantly erase debt obligations or repair credit history in exchange for a specific fee.