Selling Cheap iPhones via Social Media, Man in Bekasi Arrested After Scamming Victim Out of Rp 11.5 Million

BEKASI — A man with the initials MM alias MD was arrested by police after allegedly committing a mobile phone sales scam via social media on Wednesday (6/5/2026).

The head of Bekasi Utara Police Sector, AKP Tono Listianto, stated that MM used a modus operandi of offering various iPhone models at prices below the market rate to attract potential buyers.

“MM sold handphones at prices below the market. The interested victim was then directed to make a transfer of a certain amount of money as a down payment,” said Tono in his official statement on Thursday (7/5/2026).

“As a result of the incident, the victim with initials FMB suffered a loss of approximately Rp 11,500,000,” Tono added.

Tono explained that after FMB made the payment, the perpetrator claimed that the ordered item’s stock had run out.

In uncovering this case, the police secured several pieces of evidence, including one bundle of Bank BNI bank statements, one sheet of Bank BNI transfer proof, and a bundle of printed conversations or chats.

“We suspect there are still other victims with a similar modus operandi,” Tono said.

Tono advised the public to be more careful when conducting online buying and selling transactions, especially if they encounter offers for electronic goods at prices far below the market rate.