Easy Ways to Check if Your ID Number is Being Used for Illegal Online Loans
The misuse of personal data remains a serious threat in the digital era. One particularly disturbing method involves the use of another person’s National Identity Number (NIK) or ID card (KTP) to apply for online loans (pinjol) without the owner’s knowledge.
Such cases can have significant impacts. Victims are not only potentially subject to debt collection for loans they never applied for, but they may also experience a decline in their credit scores. Consequently, victims will face difficulties applying for official bank loans, credit cards, or even Home Ownership Loans (KPR) in the future.
This modus operandi usually occurs due to personal data leaks, phishing, the misuse of ID card photos uploaded to certain platforms, or scams disguised as account verification or job vacancies. Therefore, the public needs to periodically check whether their identity is being used for unauthorised loan or credit activities.
One primary way to determine if your ID is being used for loans is through the Financial Information Service System (SLIK) provided by the Financial Services Authority (OJK). Through this service, the public can view credit and financing histories recorded under their names.
Here are the steps to do so online:
Access the official OJK iDebku website at https://idebku.ojk.go.id
Select the Registration menu
Fill in complete personal details, including: Debtor type, Nationality, Identity type, and Identity Number (NIK)
Upload a photo of your identity and a selfie as instructed
Click Submit Application
Once successful, you will receive a registration number
The check results are usually sent to your registered email within approximately one working day.
Through SLIK OJK, you can see if there are any active credit facilities in your name, from both banks and official financing institutions. However, it should be noted that not all illegal online loan services are recorded in this system.
Checking via Legal Online Loan Applications
In addition to SLIK OJK, you can also perform direct checks manually on legal online loan applications that are registered and supervised by the OJK. The process is quite simple:
Download the suspected official online loan application.
Select the login menu or the forgot password option.
Enter the mobile number or email you usually use.
Check if there is any account registered using your identity.
If you find an account that you did not create, immediately contact the official customer service of that platform to request blocking and clarification.
Wary of Signs of ID Misuse
The public is also advised to be sensitive to indications of personal data misuse. Some signs that your ID may have been used without permission include:
Receiving phone calls or WhatsApp messages regarding debt collection, despite never having incurred debt.
Receiving OTP codes from loan applications when you are not performing a registration.
Receiving email notifications for loan approvals that were never applied for.
A sudden decline in credit scores when checked via SLOG OJK.
Official credit applications at banks being rejected without a clear reason.
If your ID is being used for unauthorised online loans
If you confirm that your NIK/ID data has been misappropriated by irresponsible parties for online loans, immediately take the following mitigation steps:
- Report to OJK: OJK provides official consumer complaint channels via:
OJK Contact: 157
Email: konsumen@ojk.go.id
WhatsApp: 081-157-157-157
Contact the Relevant Online Loan Platform: File an identity dispute with the management of the loan platform and request an internal investigation to clear your name.
Report to the Police: If there are elements of identity theft, fraud, or financial loss, immediately file an official police report at the nearest police station as legal evidence.
Change Important Account Passwords: Immediately change the passwords for your primary email, mobile banking applications, and other digital accounts if you suspect a wider data breach.
Activate Additional Protection: Use two-step authentication (2FA) on all important digital accounts to prevent further misuse.
How to Prevent ID Misuse
Before bad things happen, prevention is the best protection. To ensure your data is not easily misused by scammers:
Do not indiscriminately upload or share photos of your ID card on social media or in chat groups.
Use a watermark or cover part of the NIK numbers if the ID card is only used for non-essential verification processes.
Avoid sharing OTP codes or PINs with anyone, including those claiming to be bank or application officers.
Ensure you only use financial services that are officially registered with the OJK.
Be wary of phishing links spread via SMS, email, or WhatsApp that request the filling of personal data.
Amidst the growing threat of digital data leaks, performing periodic checks on your credit status independently is a vital step to ensure your identity remains safe from the grip of illegal online loans.