PT Bank Negara Indonesia (Persero) Tbk or BNI reminds the public to be more aware of scam modes in the digital era that are increasingly diverse and growing.
BNI Corporate Secretary, Okki Rushartomo, disclosed various scam modes that need to be watched out for, ranging from scam via SMS, call centers, and fake social media to the prize giveaway scam mode.
“We are fully committed to maintaining customer data security with the highest standards of protection and proactively identifying and addressing potential risks to prevent various modes of fraud and digital threats. Along with that, we invite active participation from the public by not sharing sensitive information such as passwords and OTP codes to unauthorized parties and only accessing services through official channels. With cooperation and mutual awareness, we can create a safer and more trusted financial ecosystem,” said Okki.
Frequent Scam Modes
One mode that is now widely used is SMS scam with fake BTS. Scammers utilize this technology to send messages directly to the victim's phone without going through an authorized operator. They pretend to be a bank, offering attractive promos or certain prizes. If the victim clicks on the link included in the message, the scammer can steal personal data and access the victim's finances.
There are also many cases of fraud through fake call centers and social media accounts. Scammers deliberately post fake call center numbers in internet search results or create social media accounts that resemble official bank or marketplace accounts.
Victims who experience problems then contact the fake number or account. In the conversation, the perpetrator will ask for sensitive information such as ATM card numbers, OTP codes, and mobile banking user IDs and passwords under the pretext of helping to solve the problem.
Online ticketing and goods purchase refund scams also exist, where scammers claim to be e-commerce or ticketing agents. They contact the victim and claim a transaction error or flight schedule change. With the excuse of a refund, victims are directed to transfer a sum of money or provide personal data which is then misused for illegal transactions.
Not only that, scammers often use the name of the tax office to scare victims. They send WhatsApp messages stating that the victim has tax arrears and must immediately update the data by clicking on a certain link.
To make it more convincing, they include the victim's personal information, such as name, email, Single Identity Number (NIK), and Taxpayer Identification Number (NPWP). Victims are also directed to make payments to the perpetrator's personal account, not the official tax office account.
Another mode to watch out for is the prize giveaway scam. Tempting offers such as THR cash, gadgets, or vacation packages are often used to lure victims. In this scenario, victims are asked to visit a fake website and fill in their banking data to “claim the prize.” The data provided is actually used by the perpetrator to drain the victim's account.
Lastly, there is card trapping mode at ATMs, where the perpetrator modifies the ATM machine with a card trapping device. When the victim experiences problems, the perpetrator pretends to offering help the victim while asking for the PIN number.
Victims will be directed to call a fake call center number posted around the ATM, who unknowingly calls the perpetrator's fake number. Other perpetrator of the fake number will ask victims to provide their PIN or other personal data, which is then used to access and drain their accounts.
How to Avoid Scams
To avoid these various modes of crime, always make sure to verify the authenticity of information before acting. If you receive a suspicious message, double-check the website, social media account, or call center number of the bank and related agencies through official sources.
Also, never share sensitive data such as OTP, TRX code, PIN, user ID, e-banking password, ATM card number, or credit card to anyone, including those claiming to be banks, e-commerce, or other official institutions. Keep in mind that the bank will never ask for such information via phone, SMS, email, or social media.
Caution is also required when receiving messages containing links or instructions to install certain applications. If the link or application comes from an unknown source, ignore it and never click on it, as there are many cases where the application turns out to be a malicious program that can steal the victim's personal data.
Also, when making online transactions, always use official platforms to purchase goods or travel tickets, and avoid transactions through links sent via social media or SMS, as they could be fraudulent traps.
For those who frequently use ATMs, make sure to check the condition of the machine before use. If you find irregularities such as additional tools or swallowed cards, immediately contact the bank's official call center for assistance and block the card if necessary. If you experience or find indications of scam, immediately report it to BNI Call 1500046 or through other official BNI channels.
“By staying vigilant and not easily tempted by suspicious offers, we can protect ourselves from financial crimes and enjoy the Eid moment safely and comfortably,” added Okki.