In a world where side hustles and “easy money” stories go viral daily, it’s easy to feel missing out. Many of us—especially young professionals and job seekers—are constantly looking for new ways to boost income or gain financial freedom. Sadly, this very mindset is what scammers are counting on.
Investment scams are on the rise in Indonesia. According to the Financial Services Authority (OJK), losses from illegal investments in 2023 hit over IDR 6.9 trillion. And behind that number are real people—many of them young, educated, and digitally active.
Who’s Most Likely to Get Scammed?
You might think older generations are the most vulnerable to online scams. But the truth? Most victims fall into the 18–35 age group according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Surprisingly, it’s the digitally savvy—those active on social media and constantly online, who are most at risk.
Here’s the pattern we’re seeing:
- Job seekers or early-career professionals are lured by “passive income” schemes.
- People with big dreams of financial independence—but lacking financial literacy.
- They’re often approached via WhatsApp groups, fake Instagram DMs, or trending TikTok ads.
- Scammers are smart. They prey on urgency, FOMO (fear of missing out), and trust built through fake communities. Once you’re in, it becomes harder to spot the red flags.
Why Do Smart People Still Get Scammed?
Because scams have evolved. Today’s scams aren’t just poorly written emails or sketchy phone calls anymore. Today’s fraudsters use realistic websites, fake OJK logos, and social proof to gain your trust. They impersonate real companies or create polished fronts that look legit.
Victims don’t fall for the scam because they’re naive. They fall because the fraud feels real—friends recommend it, testimonials sound authentic, and the platforms look professionally made. By the time they realize something’s off, it’s too late.
And let’s be honest: when you’re in between jobs or struggling to grow your savings, a quick return sounds like a dream. That dream, unfortunately, is what scammers are selling.
What Can We Do About It?
Education is key—but it’s not enough. Businesses and digital platforms need to step up, too. Many scammers impersonate well-known brands and platforms, tricking users into giving away money or data.
To fight back, we need stronger verification systems. One powerful solution? Biometric technology.
By using unique identifiers like facial recognition, biometrics create an extra layer of security that’s nearly impossible to fake. It helps protect accounts from unauthorized access and reduces the risk of identity theft.
Platforms that handle money, data, or user identity should start thinking beyond passwords and OTPs. Security needs to evolve—just like the scammers have.
We Don’t Want to See More Victims
Losing your savings is painful. But the emotional impact—shame, stress, self-blame—is often even worse. We don’t want anyone to go through that.
To all businesses, tech platforms, and financial apps out there: you have a role to play in preventing fraud. By adopting robust security measures like biometric verification, you’re not just protecting your users—you’re building trust.
And for those still job hunting or starting their careers: stay curious, stay smart, and never rush into something that feels too good to be true. Your future is worth more than a quick win.
🔐 Let’s fight scammers together. Because financial safety should be a right—not a gamble.
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Biometric security digital fraud prevention financial scam fraud investment scam indonesia
Last modified: June 10, 2025
