Online Loan Scammers Use New “Accidental” Transfer Trick

Victims targeted after fraudsters deposit, then request return of funds.

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) has revealed a new tactic used by illegal online lenders in **Jakarta**: suddenly transferring money into unsuspecting individuals’ accounts, then demanding its return, only to later harass them for loan repayment.

Modus Operandi

According to **Friderica Widyasari Dewi**, Head of OJK Financial Services, victims initially have no idea about the scam. The fraud occurs when they are contacted and asked to transfer the funds back to a designated account under the guise of a mistaken transfer.

After the money is returned, the perpetrators begin demanding payments, claiming the victim has taken out a loan. Reports of this scam are increasing through official OJK channels and field reports.

Protecting Personal Data

**Dewi** urged the public to exercise caution with their personal information, emphasizing the need to protect it and avoid sharing it indiscriminately. She added, “We as owners of personal data must always maintain our personal data and also we continue to educate the public so that it is not easy to share personal information with others without him aware, for example in the social media and others. This also continues to educate.”

She cautioned against clicking on links from unfamiliar sources and advised against sharing personal details such as birthdates, home addresses, or mothers’ maiden names, especially on social media. She specifically warned against divulging bank information.

Rising Financial Fraud

Reports of financial scams are, unfortunately, on the rise. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that consumers lost over $10 billion to fraud in 2023, highlighting the growing need for vigilance.

OJK’s Advice

**Dewi** also addressed other common fraud tactics, cautioning people against clicking on suspicious links or providing personal data through social media or to unverified sources, particularly those claiming to represent banks.