Money Changer Contact Numbers Hijacked, Customer Loses 100 Million Rupiah

A wave of fraudulent activities exploiting Google Maps has struck numerous foreign exchange money changer operators once again. The scammers’ method involves replacing the official telephone numbers and WhatsApp accounts of legitimate businesses with counterfeit ones, deceiving prospective customers into transferring funds to personal accounts. The sums transferred vary between 12 million rupiah and 100 million rupiah.

Concerned about the proliferation of fraudulent practices that have victimised many, PT Peniti Valasindo, a foreign currency exchange company, reported the case to the Jakarta Metro Police. “This case is being handled by Unit IV Subdit 1 of the Cyber Directorate at Jakarta Metro Police,” said Michel, Head of Compliance at PT Peniti Valasindo, speaking to Tempo on Wednesday, 11 March 2026.

The police subsequently issued a report numbered LP/B/1674/III/2026/SPKT/POLDA METRO JAYA dated 4 March 2026 regarding allegations of fraud committed by scammers against prospective customers. “Victims have also started filing reports, particularly those who have suffered significant losses,” Michel said.

One victim was a Peniti Valasindo customer who lost 100 million rupiah. The victim made the transfer to the perpetrator on 1 March 2026.

Michel recounted that the victim had initially intended to purchase foreign currency worth between 200 million and 300 million rupiah. However, due to transaction limit constraints, the victim managed only to transfer 100 million rupiah to the account provided by the perpetrator.

The following day, the victim visited Peniti Valasindo’s branch office in Gading Serpong, Tangerang Regency, to collect the foreign currency purchased. However, after investigation by the company, no incoming transaction was found in Peniti Valasindo’s official account. “From that point, it was confirmed that the victim had fallen prey to fraud,” Michel said.

In addition to replacing telephone numbers and WhatsApp accounts, the scammers also modified business location photos and reviews on Google Maps by including fraudulent contact numbers, making it appear as though the information came from the business owner.

Michel explained that the practice of infiltrating business data on Google Maps had actually been occurring since 2024. At that time, Google together with Bank Indonesia had helped address the issue.

However, the solution provided was limited to requesting business owners to file reports and take down the compromised data. “At that time, it was successfully removed. There were not many victims either. But now the number of victims has increased quite significantly,” Michel said.

The scam has resurged since early February 2026 through March 2026. Michel suspects the increase in cases is due to the approaching Ramadan and Eid periods, when many people prepare to travel abroad and require foreign currency. “In the WhatsApp group of the foreign currency exchange association, business operators have already been discussing this extensively because scammers have returned in force,” he said.

The perpetrators typically target prospective customers who have never conducted transactions before. They direct victims to transfer money to personal accounts rather than company accounts.

Peniti Valasindo is a money changer company established in 1997. The company has its head office in Kebon Jeruk as well as several branches in Gading Serpong, Tangerang, ITC Mangga Dua, and Artha Gading.

Since early February through 11 March 2026, Peniti Valasindo has recorded nine victims at the Gading Serpong branch with losses ranging from 1 million to 100 million rupiah. “There are also victims at other branches, but we are currently compiling the data.”

As an open platform, Michel said, Google merely advises business owners to take down manipulated data without offering further solutions. As a result of this incident, Peniti Valasindo claimed to have suffered reputational damage.

“Morally, we have a responsibility to provide correct information to consumers. This is also regulated in the law and Bank Indonesia regulations concerning consumer protection,” Michel said. He stressed that all official company transactions always use company accounts, never personal accounts.

Agus Sarjono, Chairman of the Association of Foreign Currency Exchange Traders (APVA) of Jakarta, stated that fraud using money changer business accounts on Google Maps is currently widespread. “It is occurring quite extensively and is being experienced by several APVA members,” Agus told Tempo.

Although he did not specify how many APVA members have experienced such scams, Agus noted that among the 300 foreign currency exchange traders within APVA Jabodetabek, they are intensely reminding each other in WhatsApp groups. “The scammer issue is discussed daily in the group; we remind and educate each other,” Agus said.

In response to scammer practices involving Google Maps, Agus said APVA continues to educate customers to be more vigilant and to verify information before conducting transactions. He urged consumers to be smarter and more thorough. “Do not be tempted by cheap rates,” Agus said.