Jakarta (ANTARA) – Advances in technology and information support increased internet use. This has opened up opportunities for the emergence of various cyber crimes, such as cases of online transaction fraud in the name of Customs and Excise. Customs and Excise noted that fraud using the online shop (olshop) mode is the most widely used method of fraud, even causing losses of up to billions of rupiah.
Head of the Subdirectorate of Public Relations and Customs Extension, Hatta Wardhana, said that the online shopping trend remains lively even though cases of the Covid-19 pandemic have slowed down. “Ease of digital financial transactions and time efficiency are considered to be one of the factors in increasing online shopping behavior,” he added.
Hatta said that in January 2023, there were 467 fraud reports received through Customs information service channels. In detail, 316 complaints were in the material fraud category and 151 complaints were in the non-material category. Based on 151 non-material complaints submitted to Customs, most of them were confirmations from the public and/or service users to prevent cases of fraud so that they did not cause material losses.
“Through this confirmation action, Customs and Excise succeeded in educating the public and/or service users and prevented material losses worth IDR 903,438,600.00,” said Hatta.
Hatta said that fraudsters generally use the method of purchasing goods that are detained by Customs so that the victim has to pay a fee to redeem them. The perpetrator may threaten and pressure the victim to pay a ransom fee which must be sent to the perpetrator’s account. Victims who are not alert can be deceived and suffer material losses.
“To prevent fraudulent acts from occurring, it is a good idea for victims to first check the status of goods via beacukai.go.id/barangbesaran or confirm with Customs through Customs information services, such as the Bravo Customs and Excise call center on 1500225, official Customs and Excise social media, and “direct message service or Customs webchat,” explained Hatta.
Hatta appealed to the public to choose trusted electronic commerce (e-commerce) services, read product reviews, check seller ratings, and not be easily tempted by cheap prices.
“By choosing trusted e-commerce, it is hoped that the confidentiality of personal data will be maintained. “Personal data leaks have the potential to be the next opportunity for fraud because perpetrators can use them to blackmail victims through their personal information,” said Hatta.
If people have already become victims of fraud, the recommendation that can be made is to immediately contact the electronic money application or m-banking call center for complaints and resolution. Victims can also report to the authorities such as the police to complete the reporting and investigation.
Reporter: PR Wire
Editor: PR Wire
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