- The Indonesia Anti-Scam Centre has returned Rp161 billion to over a thousand digital fraud victims, strengthening public trust in the financial system.
- Supported by OJK and major banks, IASC’s restitution effort underscores Indonesia’s proactive stance against increasingly complex online scams.
- Since 2024, IASC has received more than 432,000 fraud complaints, freezing Rp436.88 billion in illegal funds in coordination with national authorities.
The Indonesia Anti-Scam Centre (IASC) has successfully returned Rp161 billion to 1,070 victims of digital fraud. The recovered funds, blocked by IASC from 14 banks linked to scam operations, mark a significant milestone in the joint government effort to combat online financial crimes. The data covers the period from the establishment of IASC on November 22, 2024, until January 12, 2026.
A symbolic handover ceremony for the restitution of victims’ funds was held by the Financial Services Authority (Otoritas Jasa Keuangan/OJK), which coordinates both the PASTI Task Force and IASC, in Jakarta on Wednesday. The event was attended by House of Representatives (DPR) Commission XI Chairman Mokhamad Misbakhun, OJK Board of Commissioners Chairman Mahendra Siregar, OJK Chief Executive for Market Conduct, Financial Education, and Consumer Protection Friderica Widyasari Dewi, bank leaders under IASC, representatives from the National Police, the Ministry of Communications and Digital Affairs, and several scam victims.
During the event, Friderica underscored that the restitution demonstrates the active collaboration between OJK, ministries, and the banking industry in protecting public interests.
“The reimbursement of scam victims’ funds is tangible proof of the government’s presence and commitment to protecting citizens from today’s increasingly complex and unpredictable financial crimes,” she stated.
Friderica added that digital financial crimes have become more extensive, often crossing national borders, requiring coordinated action among institutions. She elaborated that various scam methods include online shopping fraud, impersonation or fake calls, investment scams, job scams, and social media-based fraud. Additionally, “love scams” have also emerged as a common tactic in Indonesia and other countries alike.
She noted that several challenges remain in handling scam cases, such as the rising volume of complaints, delays in reporting, the need for faster account blocking, complex fund transfers, and the ongoing optimization of fund recovery processes.
In his remarks, OJK Chairman Mahendra Siregar emphasized that the return of victims’ funds reflects the strong commitment of OJK, government agencies, and the financial services industry to safeguard consumers and enhance trust in the sector, ultimately contributing to national economic growth.
“The synergy and collaboration among all stakeholders are crucial to counter the ever-evolving tactics of scammers. Stakeholders must remain vigilant and adaptive to the expanding scope of digital crime,” Mahendra said.
He also expressed his appreciation for the victims who had the courage to share their experiences. Their stories, according to Mahendra, provide valuable lessons and strengthen collective resolve to fight against digital financial crimes.
The public is urged to immediately report any financial scams to IASC. Early reporting significantly increases the probability of fund recovery.
Echoing this call, DPR Commission XI Chairman Mokhamad Misbakhun stressed that financial sector fraud constitutes a serious and highly complex crime that cannot be addressed partially.
“This is not ordinary crime; this is white-collar crime—sophisticated in both modus and execution,” he said.
Misbakhun praised IASC’s efforts as a credible and hopeful sign for the public amid the growing threat of digital scams.
“I believe the steps taken by the Indonesia Anti-Scam Centre and the PASTI Task Force represent a breath of fresh air for society and offer genuine hope,” he said.
Since its establishment on November 22, 2024, through January 14, 2026, IASC has received 432,637 fraud complaints from consumers and the public, with reported losses reaching Rp9.1 trillion. The total amount successfully frozen by IASC stands at Rp436.88 billion.
Reports of financial scams can be submitted through the official IASC website, iasc.ojk.go.id. The PASTI Task Force also warns the public to beware of fraudulent websites impersonating the Indonesia Anti-Scam Centre or of individuals claiming to represent the institution.
Indonesianpost.com | Inilah