Indonesia's Financial Regulator Reports 1,379 AI-Based Financial Fraud Cases from Late 2024 to Mid-2026

AI-Based Financial Fraud on the Rise

Indonesia's Financial Services Authority (OJK) has revealed that financial fraud leveraging artificial intelligence technology is surging dramatically. From November 2024 through June 2026, the Indonesia Anti-Scam Center (IASC) received 1,379 reports of AI-related financial fraud, demonstrating an alarming upward trend with the vast majority of cases occurring in 2025 and 2026.

How These Scams Work

Scammers exploit AI technology as a tool to make fraud schemes more convincing, faster, and harder to detect. Key methods include:

Deepfake Investment Fraud

Criminals use deepfake technology to manipulate videos and images of real celebrities or trusted figures, fabricating false investment opportunities. Victims believe they are investing with authentic entities and follow the scammer's instructions.

AI Trading Robot Schemes

Fraudsters promote "AI-powered automated trading systems" promising high returns. Victims are encouraged to invest, but the systems are fictitious and funds are stolen.

Fake Online Shopping Platforms

Scammers operate fraudulent apps and platforms claiming to use AI technology, deceiving customers into making purchases and transferring money.

Voice and Face Cloning Fraud

Criminals clone the voices or faces of known individuals or trusted institutions, using phone calls or video to pressure victims into urgent money transfers.

What All These Schemes Have in Common

• Building trust with the victim
• Creating a sense of urgency
• Prompting immediate financial transactions
• Offering attractive incentives

Warning Signs and Red Flags

Be Suspicious If:

• You receive unexpected investment offers from celebrities or acquaintances—directly contact the person to verify
• Investment promises guaranteed high returns
• You're pressured to make quick decisions or immediate transfers
• Remember: Account names, phone numbers, photos, voices, and videos can all be fabricated

Verification Methods

1. Cross-Verify Through Multiple Channels

   • If you receive a call or message about an investment, contact the company through an official channel independently
   • Use phone numbers from official websites, not those provided in unsolicited messages

2. Contact Your Financial Institution Directly

   • Call your bank or payment provider using a known phone number
   • You can contact OJK's helpline at 157 for verification

3. Check Legal Registration

   • Confirm that financial institutions and investment companies hold proper licenses
   • Verify their status on OJK's official registry of authorized firms

4. Protect Your Personal Information

   • Never share PINs, passwords, or one-time passwords (OTPs) with anyone
   • Do not share these details even with people you know and trust

If You Fall Victim to a Scam

1. Contact Your Bank Immediately

   • If you act quickly, transfers can sometimes be delayed or blocked
   • Delays reduce the chances of fund recovery

2. Report to IASC

   • Provide complete information about the scam
   • Include transaction records and communication evidence

3. File a Police Report

   • Report the fraud to law enforcement
   • Coordinated action between authorities increases the likelihood of blocking funds

OJK's Key Safety Principles

Beyond the basic "2L" principle (Logis/Logical and Legal), OJK emphasizes:

• Be Alert (Waspada)
• Check (Periksa)
• Verify (Verifikasi)

OJK is currently developing an anti-scam mobile application that will help the public detect and verify potential AI-based fraud before falling victim.

Conclusion

As AI technology becomes more sophisticated, so do the scams that exploit it. The key to protection is never blindly trusting information or callers—always verify through independent channels. Rapid action and reporting are essential to minimizing personal loss and protecting others in your community.