Indonesia Scams: Online, Job & Investment Fraud Guide
Common scams in Indonesia and how to report via Patroli Siber, the national police, and your bank.
Emergency number: 110 (police), 112 (emergency) — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Indonesia experiences high volumes of online fraud including e-commerce scams, phishing targeting mobile banking and e-wallets, investment Ponzi schemes, and job scams. The Bareskrim Polri cybercrime unit operates Patroli Siber (patrolisiber.id) — the official platform for reporting cybercrime and receiving public reports. Indonesia is also a significant source and target of task scams and pig-butchering operations linked to regional organised crime. Contacting your bank immediately after discovering any fraudulent transfer is the most important step, as Indonesian banks have procedures to flag and attempt to hold suspected fraudulent transactions.
Common scams
- E-wallet and mobile banking phishing (GoPay, OVO, Dana)
- Investment Ponzi and pyramid schemes
- Task scams via messaging apps
- Fake online shops and marketplace non-delivery
Tourist-specific scams
- Overcharging unlicensed taxis and ride-hailing scams
- Fake tour and adventure operators in Bali and other tourist areas
- Counterfeit goods and gem scams
Online shopping scams
- E-wallet phishing impersonating GoPay, OVO, or Dana
- Fake online shopping sites and Tokopedia/Shopee impersonation
- SIM swap fraud enabling account takeover
Job scams
- Task scams requiring deposits to 'unlock' earnings
- Fake overseas job offers (some linked to regional scam compounds)
Romance scams
- Dating-app romance and pig-butchering crypto investment grooming
Investment scams
- Fake investment apps and unlicensed forex/crypto platforms
- Community Ponzi schemes targeting religious or ethnic groups
How to report a scam here
- Contact your bank or e-wallet provider immediately to freeze the account
- Report cybercrime to Patroli Siber at patrolisiber.id
- File a criminal complaint with the nearest Polri station
Local reporting & protection links
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Bank & payment guidance
Contact your bank or e-wallet provider immediately using their official app or hotline. Never share OTPs or m-banking PINs with anyone — legitimate banks and e-wallet providers will never ask for them.
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot all messages, profiles, websites and payment pages
- Save transaction references, account numbers and crypto wallet addresses
- Keep emails with full headers where possible
- Note dates, times, names and phone numbers used
Frequently asked questions
What is Patroli Siber?
Patroli Siber is the Indonesian National Police's official cybercrime reporting and monitoring platform at patrolisiber.id, operated by Bareskrim Polri's Cyber Crime Directorate. Citizens can report cybercrime incidents and receive guidance online.
Are investment apps registered with OJK safe?
Always verify an investment platform is registered with OJK (Otoritas Jasa Keuangan — the financial regulator) before investing. Check the OJK official website for licensed entities. Unregistered platforms are a major red flag.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance