TASPEN Warns of Rising Scams Targeting Pensioners
PT TASPEN (Persero) is urging all participants and the public to increase their vigilance against a variety of scams misusing the company’s name. These schemes are constantly evolving, ranging from the use of fake social media accounts and WhatsApp messages to the distribution of phishing links and forged official documents. Scammers are now even utilising artificial intelligence (AI) technology to create content, images, sounds, and videos that closely resemble the company’s official identity. One recently discovered modus operandi involves offering pension fund distribution programmes through unofficial communication channels, which has the potential to mislead the public.
Corporate Secretary of TASPEN, Henra, emphasised that protecting participants is a top priority amidst the rise of digital crimes exploiting the company’s name. ‘TASPEN is consistently committed to protecting participants from various potential digital crimes that misuse the company’s name. We urge participants and the public to always verify any information received and not to easily provide personal data to parties whose legitimacy cannot be confirmed,’ he stated.
According to the National Digital Literacy Index released by the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs, the digital literacy level of the Indonesian public is at a score of 3.54 out of 5. While this shows improvement, the digital security aspect still needs strengthening in light of the growing variety of cybercrime modus operandi. Furthermore, data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) and various studies indicate that the elderly demographic still faces challenges in understanding digital security and verifying received information. This is a particular concern given that the majority of TASPEN’s participants are pensioners, making improved digital literacy a crucial step to protect them from technology-based fraud.
As a protective measure, TASPEN is urging the public to apply the ‘Hold, Verify, Report’ principle when dealing with information. The public is expected to refrain from immediately trusting circulating information, verify the truth through TASPEN’s official channels, and report any accounts or parties suspected of committing fraud. ‘TASPEN asserts that the company never asks participants to pay certain administrative fees, send OTP codes, PINs, passwords, or other confidential data to obtain services or programme benefits,’ Henra stated. TASPEN also encourages the public to only obtain information through official channels, including the company’s official website, official social media accounts, the Andal by Taspen application, branch offices, and the Call Centre at 1500 919. This preventive measure aligns with TASPEN’s commitment as a Centre of Excellence in social security, prioritising security, transparency, and comfort for participants.