UNAIR IT Experts Remind residents to be aware of digital fraud ahead of Eid

warning against digital fraud mode

Information technology expert from the University of 17 August 1945 (Untag) Surabaya, Supangat, called for public awareness of various modes of fraud through cell phone numbers. This includes the use of applications such as WhatsApp and short message services (SMS), especially ahead of Eid al-Fitr.

“The mode of fraud through cellular phone numbers is now more creative and often suppresses the victim’s psychology. Therefore, people must be more careful, especially when receiving messages from unknown numbers,” he said in Surabaya on Sunday (8/3/2026).

According to Supangat, before Eid, digital transaction activities and public communication tend to increase, so that it is often used by cybercriminals to carry out their actions. He advised the public not to carelessly click on links or download files from messages sent by unknown numbers, especially files with APK extension formats.

He also recommends using a number identification application such as GetContact or Truecaller to check the reputation of the sender’s number. “If the number is marked as a fraud by other users, then it should be blocked immediately,” he explained.

Supangat emphasized the importance of direct verification if someone claims to be a friend or family member who is in an emergency. “If someone claims to be a friend or family and asks for urgent help, you should turn off the phone first and then call the original number in question or the closest person to ensure the truth of the information,” he explained.

In addition, he also reminded the public to always maintain the confidentiality of personal data, such as the One Time Password (OTP) code, Personal Identification Number (PIN), and account password. According to him, official institutions such as banks and electronic commerce companies have never asked for the confidential data through short messages or conversation applications.

“If there are parties who ask for an OTP, PIN, or password via message or telephone, it is almost certain that it is a fraudulent attempt,” he said.

Security operations against online fraud

The Directorate General of Immigration revealed the mode of online fraud syndicate carried out by 13 Japanese nationals disguised as members of the Japanese police. The perpetrators were arrested in an operation to monitor foreigners in Sentul City, Bogor Regency, West Java.

Acting Director General of Immigration Yuldi Yusman explained that the Japanese citizens were arrested in an operation carried out by the Immigration Office Class I Non TPI Bogor on March 2, 2026 in the Babakanmadang District.

“The Intelligence and Enforcement Team of the Bogor Immigration Office succeeded in securing 13 Japanese citizens who were suspected of carrying out online fraudulent practices in an organized manner,” Yuldi said at a press conference at the Bogor Immigration Office, Wednesday (4/3/2026).

According to Yuldi, the perpetrators carried out fraudulent acts by disguised as Japanese police officers to deceive victims who are also Japanese citizens outside the territory of Indonesia. In the action, the perpetrators first contacted the potential victim by claiming to be an officer from the Japanese telecommunications company NTT Docomo and accusing the victim of using illegal services or falsifying identities.

The victim was then directed to make a video call through the LINE application, where one of the perpetrators acted as a member of the Japanese police force to strengthen intimidation. Officers found a number of evidences in the form of attributes resembling Japanese police uniforms, digital documents containing fraudulent scripts, operational guidelines, and dozens of communication devices.

In the next stage, the victim is directed to open a fake web portal that displays an emergency arrest warrant as if issued by the Japanese authorities, complete with the victim’s name, the name of the judge, and the stamp resembling a court. The victim is then asked to show a passbook, ATM card, and account information before being directed to withdraw investment funds or shares and transfer large amounts of money to the perpetrator.

Currently, the 13 Japanese citizens have been secured at the Class I Immigration Office Non TPI Bogor to undergo further examination regarding the alleged misuse of residence permits according to Law Number 6 of 2011 concerning Immigration.

Handling Migrant Workers Who Are Victims of Fraud

The Riau Migrant Worker Protection Service Center (BP3MI) monitors the condition of a woman from Siak Regency, Susi Yanti Br Sinaga (22), who was reported to have been a victim of work fraud to Cambodia.

Head of BP3MI Riau Fanny Wahyu Kurniawan said that his party continues to coordinate with the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Cambodia to monitor the condition of Susi, who is currently undergoing intensive treatment in the ICU room of the Khmer Soviet Friendship Hospital, Phnom Penh.

“We continue to coordinate with the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh to ensure the condition of sister Susi Yanti,” said Fanny in Pekanbaru, Friday (6/3/2026).

Susi is currently accompanied by her boyfriend, Bram Silitonga, during treatment. The Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh has also visited and met directly with the victim at the hospital and suggested that the family continue to monitor the development of Susi’s condition through Bram who was at the location.

Based on the information obtained, Susi was initially promised a job in Malaysia, but was finally taken to Cambodia and departed using only a passport without going through official procedures. Fanny emphasized that the government does not remain silent in dealing with the issue of non-procedural migrant workers and appeals to the public not to be easily tempted by offers to work abroad without going through an official mechanism.

Meanwhile, the General Criminal Investigation Directorate of the Riau Police is investigating the alleged crime of trafficking in persons (TPPO) in this case. Director of General Criminal Investigation at the Riau Police, Kombes Pol. Hasyim Risahondua, said that his party had collected information from the victim’s family in Rawang Kao Village, Lubuk Dalam District, Siak Regency.

“In response to this situation, we are currently investigating whether this case is purely TPPO or part of an international fraud syndicate,” he explained.