Untag Surabaya IT Expert Warns Public to Be Wary of Digital Fraud Tactics Ahead of Eid al-Fitr
An information technology expert at Universitas 17 Agustus 1945 (Untag) Surabaya, Supangat, has urged the public to heighten vigilance against a range of fraud schemes conducted through mobile phone numbers, via WhatsApp or short message service (SMS), particularly ahead of Eid al-Fitr (Lebaran).
‘Fraud schemes via mobile numbers are increasingly creative and often pressure victims psychologically. Therefore, the public should be more careful, especially when receiving messages from unknown numbers,’ Supangat said in Surabaya on Sunday, 8 March 2026.
The Vice Rector II of Untag Surabaya explained that as Lebaran approaches, digital transactions and communication tend to rise, which is often exploited by cybercriminals to carry out their acts.
Supangat advised people not to click links or download files from messages sent by unknown numbers, especially files with APK extensions. He also recommended using number identification apps like GetContact or Truecaller to check the sender’s reputation. ‘If the number is marked as a scam by many users, it should be blocked immediately,’ he said.
He emphasised the importance of direct verification if someone claims to be a friend or family member who is in an emergency. ‘If someone claiming to be a friend or relative is pressing for urgent help, you should switch off your phone first and then contact the original number or a close contact to verify the information,’ he explained.
Supangat also reminded the public to always protect personal data, such as One Time Password (OTP) codes, Personal Identification Number (PIN), or passwords. According to him, official institutions such as banks or e-commerce companies never request such confidential data via SMS or messaging apps. ‘If anyone asks for an OTP, PIN, or password via message or phone, it is almost certainly a fraud attempt,’ he said.
Immigration authorities arrest 13 Japanese nationals in Bogor for online fraud, disguising themselves as Japanese police officers. The Directorate General of Immigration said the fraud syndicate operated under the cover of being police officers. The suspects were secured in a foreigner-monitoring operation in Sentul City, Bogor Regency, West Java.
Acting Director-General of Immigration Yuldi Yusman said the 13 Japanese nationals were detained in an operation conducted by Bogor Class I Non-TPI Immigration Office on 2 March 2026 in the Babakanmadang district.