Don’t Click Carelessly! Stop Online Scams by Securing Your Privacy Today

In today’s fast-paced digital world, personal data has become a valuable target for cybercriminals. From phishing attacks to account takeovers (ATO), digital fraud schemes are getting more sophisticated and harder to detect.

According to the Financial Services Authority (OJK), there were 2,688 reported fraud cases from January 2024 to January 2025, with ATO emerging as the most frequent method used. This highlights a clear message: as digital services advance, safeguarding your personal data becomes even more essential.

The PASTI Task Force has also recorded over 12,000 illegal financial entities dismantled between 2017 and the end of 2024. This underscores that threats to privacy and digital security are nothing new—but today, they come in more complex and subtle forms.

The good news? You don’t need to be a tech expert to protect yourself. By managing your privacy settings, you can take simple but powerful steps to guard your digital identity. These measures allow you to control how your data is accessed, stored, and shared—like limiting app permissions, turning on two-factor authentication, and monitoring account activity.

Here are six easy steps to enhance your digital security:

1. Review App Privacy Settings

Apps—whether for e-wallets, online shopping, or social media—often request access to your personal data. Go into the settings and disable permissions that aren’t necessary, such as location, contacts, or camera access. This limits the risk of misuse by the app or third parties.

2. Add Extra Layers of Security

Use two-factor authentication (2FA), PINs, or biometric verification like fingerprints or face recognition. These tools provide an added layer of protection, making it much harder for unauthorized users to access your account—even if your password gets leaked.

3. Be Alert for Phishing Scams

Phishing remains one of the most common forms of fraud, where scammers impersonate legitimate organizations and send fake links. Don’t click on suspicious links from unknown emails or messages. Always verify through official websites or trusted channels.

4. Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Your password is the first defense line. Create a strong mix of letters, numbers, and special characters—and avoid predictable info like your name or birthdate. Most importantly, use a different password for every account to minimize damage in case one gets compromised.

5. Keep Apps Up to Date

Developers regularly update their apps with security patches. By installing the latest versions of your financial and digital apps, you ensure that your system is protected against the latest threats.

6. Regularly Monitor Your Accounts

Check your account activity and transaction history regularly. This helps you catch any suspicious behavior early. If you notice something off, report it to your service provider immediately.

Also, stay cautious of online investment or loan offers that seem too good to be true. If anything looks suspicious or promises big returns in a short time, report it to OJK at 157, via WhatsApp at 081 157 157 157, or by emailing konsumen@ojk.go.id and satgaspasti@ojk.go.id.

If you’ve already fallen victim to fraud, report it through the IASC website at http://iasc.ojk.go.id, and attach any relevant documentation.

By taking these steps, you're helping build a safer, more secure digital environment. Remember: a safer internet starts with you. Stay smart, stay alert—be a mindful digital citizen.