As the world’s fourth most populous country, Indonesia has seen a rapid rise in active internet users.

Reports from HootSuite and We Are Social show as of early 2021, there are 202.6 million Indonesian internet users or 73.7 percent out of a population of 274.9 million. This figure is an increase of 15.5 percent or 27 million compared to January 2020.

Along with the growth, though, comes the increasing threats of cybercrime, including fraud. 

According to the Ministry of Communications and Information, throughout 2020, there were about 192,000 accounts allegedly linked to crimes reported to their official CekRekening.id website. At least 110,000 of the number were reported for internet frauds.

The Financial Services Authority (OJK) warns investors to stay cautious and recognize online scams by illegal lending:

1. Creditors/lenders aggressively approach potential borrowers

Most of the time borrowers are the ones actively seeking information from lenders and not the other way around. Lending scammers often lure their potential victims with interesting bonuses.

2. Unclear information of lending provider 

Users are advised to read information on the fintech company’s website carefully and need to be cautious when they find unofficial or private email addresses used as the company’s email. Users are also advised to check the company’s address. 

3. Easier requirements

P2p lending business is famous for its easy requirements compared to conventional financial institutions. However, illegal lending usually ignores borrowers’ financial background and history, despite checking these is one of the requirements a provider must meet. 

4. Platform demanding unreasonable fee

In each transaction, borrowers will be charged with an amount of administration fee. However, they should be aware that a higher amount of admin fee (over Rp 1 million) might lead to potential fraud.

5. Platform demanding excessive access to private information

Users should stay cautious when a fintech platform demands access to private accounts, such as bank account password or email password. Borrowers are only required to submit general information, i.e. name, email address, ID, and phone number.

6. Carefully install P2P lending app

For an easier and faster service, p2p fintech lending providers facilitate borrowers with online loan platforms. Users are advised to carefully install the application and read permission requests on their screen, that include access to users’ call history, SMS, storage and contacts. Such requests do not need to be accepted. 

The National Information and Communication Technology Council (Wantiknas) also offers several tips for safe, scam-free online shopping. They include: 

  1. Choosing a trusted digital platform, including e-commerce and P2P fintech lending 
  2. Paying attention to their verification process 
  3. Checking the ratings of the platform
  4. Read product reviews and descriptions carefully 
  5. Choosing the most secure payment options 
  6. Refraining from sharing passwords or other secret codes.

For scam victims, the Ministry of Communications and Information recommends contacting the call centers of the payment service used, whether it’s electronic wallets or mobile banking, and report the crime. It also suggests reporting to authorities – such as the police, Bank Indonesia, the Financial Service Authority – to have the report investigated.  

AdaKami as one of the leading P2P fintech lending platforms in Indonesia is committed to provide high security to protect its customers’ data. AdaKami is equipped with a sophisticated technology namely the Incop (Intelligent Connection Profiling System) technology that can analyze and protect data using Artificial Intelligence, focusing on three primary phases of lending: before, during, and after the loan period. AdaKami’s data security system has been certified by an international information security management standard, ISO 27001, ensuring reliable and safe data protection for its customers. AdaKami highly encourages its users to always be careful and not share their personal data to any parties claiming to be representatives from AdaKami. Any suspicious action from external parties that claim themselves as AdaKami, please contact AdaKami’s Customer Service at 1500077 or email at cs@adakami.id, from Monday to Sunday, 08.00-20.00 Western Indonesia Time (WIB).