Kepri Financial Scam Surge: OJK Reports Rp41.17 Billion in Losses
6,316 cases recorded as Ramadan liquidity raises fraud risks
Thousands of residents in Indonesia’s Riau Islands have fallen victim to financial scams, with total losses surpassing Rp41 billion, prompting regulators to issue fresh warnings ahead of Ramadan and Eid.
6,316 Scam Reports in Kepri
The Financial Services Authority in Riau Islands recorded 6,316 financial fraud reports as of August 31, 2025. Total losses reached Rp41,174,977,884, equivalent to approximately SGD 3,293,998.
OJK Kepri chief Sinar Danandjaya described the figure as a serious warning, especially as Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah approach, a period when holiday allowances increase public liquidity.
Illegal Investments and Online Loans
According to data from the Illegal Financial Activity Eradication Task Force through the SIPASTI channel, 88 illegal investment complaints and 280 illegal online loan complaints were recorded in Kepri as of December 31, 2025.
Separately, the Indonesia Anti-Scam Center documented 6,316 financial scam reports between November 2024 and the end of 2025, matching OJK’s total case count.
Ramadan Season Heightens Risk
Sinar warned that increased consumer spending and THR disbursement ahead of Eid often create opportunities for fraudsters. Scammers typically promote illegal investments, unauthorized digital loans, or online schemes promising high returns with minimal risk.
He emphasized that THR funds should be used for essential needs, charitable giving, and family gatherings, not lost to preventable scams.
Public Advisory and Preventive Measures
OJK Kepri urged residents not to be tempted by instant loan offers lacking clear legal status or investment schemes guaranteeing unrealistic profits. The public is encouraged to verify financial institutions through official regulatory channels before conducting transactions.
Authorities also reminded individuals to protect personal data such as PIN numbers, passwords, and one-time passcodes, and to avoid impulsive spending driven by Ramadan promotions.
Reporting Channels and Enforcement
Residents are encouraged to report suspected illegal investment and loan activities via the SIPASTI platform and to file financial fraud complaints through the Indonesia Anti-Scam Center.
OJK hopes active public reporting will narrow the operational space for financial criminals and reduce future losses in the province.
The surge in financial scam cases in Riau Islands highlights growing cyber and investment risks during high-liquidity periods. As cross-border financial activity between Indonesia and Singapore intensifies, stronger public awareness and swift reporting mechanisms remain essential to safeguarding household savings and regional financial stability.
Sources: Batampos (2026) , GO KEPRI (2026)
Keywords: Riau Islands Scam Cases, Rp41 Billion Losses, SIPASTI Reports, Indonesia Anti Scam Center, Illegal Online Loans Kepri