Idul Adha: Public Urged to Beware of Online Sacrificial Animal Scams

Amid the Idul Adha season, many citizens are performing sacrifices. Online sacrificial animal services, which distribute animals to various regions, have become a popular trend. However, this online trend is shadowed by rising digital fraud. Perpetrators exploit high transaction volumes with various tactics, from fake links to personal data theft.

Digital identity firm VIDA noted that fraud tactics are becoming more sophisticated, with layered approaches. Perpetrators use not only phishing but also deepfake technology, social engineering, and account takeovers.

VIDA’s founder and group CEO, Niki Luhur, urged the public to exercise caution when conducting online sacrificial transactions, especially when receiving suspicious links or offers. ‘It is crucial to carefully check each transaction and avoid clicking on suspicious links hastily,’ he said in a statement on Wednesday (27 May).

VIDA advised citizens to transact only through official sacrificial institutions and not be lured by unrealistically low prices. The public was also warned against sharing OTP codes or personal data with third parties.

According to VIDA’s 2026 SEA Digital Identity Fraud Outlook whitepaper, digital fraud attacks are becoming increasingly organised and evolving in line with consumer transaction habits.

Fraud threats are said to target not only consumers but also online kurban service providers. Therefore, businesses are urged to verify payments more carefully before processing transactions.

Masjid Istiqlal has received 63 cows, 18 goats, and one sheep, which are scheduled for slaughter on 28 May 2026.

This year’s Idul Adha saw HKBP Batam Centre distribute three sacrificial goats to residents across three locations in Batam.

The cows were distributed via the offices of political party DPCs across East Java, numerous Islamic boarding schools, religious organisations, mosques, and orphanages.

All aid distributions are prioritised to reach those in need directly, including the less fortunate, elderly, and orphans.

The use of bamboo baskets, besides being environmentally friendly, is also an effort to reduce plastic waste after the distribution of sacrificial meat.