Amidst the evolving landscape of digital finance, AdaKami, an online peer-to-peer lending platform, has reported encountering several challenges during the first quarter of 2024, notably the proliferation of illegal online loans, or Pinjol ilegal.
Jonathan Kriss, Brand Manager of PT Pembiayaan Digital Indonesia (AdaKami), elucidated various tactics employed by unscrupulous individuals to exploit unsuspecting members of the public illegally. These tactics range from impersonating AdaKami, falsely claiming that AdaKami’s team has disbursed duplicate funds, to creating fake social media accounts posing as AdaKami’s customer service representatives, targeting users experiencing payment difficulties. Perpetrators also resort to abusing personal data, hacking user accounts through the delivery of suspicious OTP codes or links, enticing users with enticing prizes, among other deceptive practices.
All these actions, Jonathan stressed, constitute fraudulent activities that they have identified. “It is imperative for us to collectively remain vigilant through enhancing financial and digital literacy,” he emphasized during a Media Gathering and Halal Bihalal event at Habitate Jakarta on Monday, April 29, 2024.
He outlined several measures to help the public guard against such scams. Firstly, ensuring that users only communicate or seek information through verified official websites, emails, telephone numbers, and social media accounts.
Officially, AdaKami utilizes a hotline with the number 1500-77 or email tanya@adakami-cs.id. Jonathan reaffirmed that AdaKami does not employ numbers starting with ’08.’
Secondly, users must exercise caution and selectivity in sharing personal data, even with family or close associates, especially refraining from uploading it on social media platforms or surrendering it to dubious entities.
Thirdly, exercising caution with parties offering tempting rewards under suspicious conditions. For instance, users may be asked to make a purchase first, or even be coerced into borrowing to acquire specific items beyond their financial means.
Fourthly, ensuring that users have read and understood all applicable terms and conditions and have a plan in place to fulfill their binding obligations. Jonathan emphasized the importance of users ensuring that loan allocations are used to meet justifiable needs. “Understanding priorities and their fulfillment, as well as the profile and risks of the financial instruments we intend to utilize, is crucial to making informed decisions,” he concluded.
