Indosat warns against fraud via messaging applications

Ramadan is typically characterised by increased digital communication activity, ranging from family gatherings to shopping transactions and disbursement of year-end bonuses (THR). However, this surge in activity is accompanied by elevated risks of digital fraud, particularly through messaging applications.

This issue emerged during Indosat Ooredoo’s Media Update Ramadan 2026 event held at The Sunan Solo Hotel in Solo on Friday, 27 February 2026. During the occasion, the significant increase in digital fraud cases during Ramadan became a focal point.

According to data from 2025, digital fraud cases during the Ramadan period surged by 34.7 per cent. Approximately 89 per cent of these incidents occurred through WhatsApp messaging application and 64 per cent via telephone calls, stated SVP Head of Marketing Java Indosat Ooredoo Adiyanto Adhi Kusumo.

Adiyanto noted that the fraud methods employed have become increasingly sophisticated, including the use of artificial intelligence technology such as deepfake, with estimated losses reaching Rp 700 billion. According to him, the high number of fraud cases during Ramadan is linked to the increase in money circulation within society.

“Fraud is high during Ramadan because many people receive their year-end bonuses. With the presence of these bonuses, certain parties take advantage of the situation,” he stated.

Adiyanto added that Indosat, through its IM3 brand, has introduced the first WhatsApp Call protection innovation in Indonesia via the SATSPAM+ feature (Anti-Scam and Spam Unit Plus) this Ramadan.

“Through the campaign ‘IM3 SATSPAM+ Protect Ramadan Fighters’, IM3 provides real-time protection against SMS, regular calls, and WhatsApp Calls identified as fraudulent or spam,” he explained.

Adiyanto clarified that this feature represents an enhancement of previous protection that only covered telephone and SMS. To use the feature, customers simply need to activate SATSPAM+ through the myIM3 application. Once activated, the system will provide a special marker on numbers identified as employing fraudulent tactics.

“If there is a call from a number identified as fraudulent, a red-coloured marker will appear with the indication ‘scam number’. We advise customers not to answer such calls,” he stated.

He also reminded the public not to share any personal information with unknown callers, particularly if they request sensitive data or verification codes.

All customers on IM3 Ramadan packages automatically receive SATSPAM+ protection at no additional cost. The packages offered include 150 GB for 28 days at Rp 150,000 and 300 GB for 28 days at Rp 200,000, accompanied by 5,000 minutes and SMS to other IM3 and Tri users, as well as access to streaming services.

Meanwhile, EVP-Head of Circle Java Indosat Fahd Yudhanegoro stated that during this Ramadan, Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison (Indosat/IOH) is strengthening its network through the #LebihBaikIndosat campaign in the Circle Java region, which covers Central Java, DIY, East Java, Bali, and Nusa Tenggara. Network strengthening is being carried out across more than 25 mudik (homecoming) routes and 291 points of interest (POI), including 94 POI in Central Java.

“We are strengthening our network to ensure customers can communicate smoothly during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. Staying connected without disruption, whether in major cities or homecoming destinations,” he stated.

In Central Java, data projections indicate peak data traffic growth during Ramadan will reach 37.6 per cent, with the highest surges in Wonogiri, Grobogan, Kebumen, Blora, and Purworejo. Beyond IM3, Fahd stated that Indosat also educates young people through its Tri brand via the #PilihanBijak campaign, and provides portable home internet service through HiFi Air to support customer mobility during mudik.