Hatching Hoaxes
Indonesia made international tabloid headlines a few weeks ago when it was reported that a teenage boy from South Sulawesi...
Scams in the City
Those Possessed By Demons?
The weighty Indonesian dictionary compiled by the Education Ministry defines kesurupan as “possession by Satan or spirits, resulting in strange...
My Uncle the Police Chief and Other Lies
Imagine you’re choosing a career. Would you cough up Rp300 million (US$25,400) for a job with a starting salary of...
Designer Bag Deceit
Let’s be honest. A handbag is just something in which to carry makeup, car keys, tampons, sunglasses, perfume and a...
Online Arisan Exposed
A simple Facebook page lured hundreds of Indonesians, mostly housewives, into investing their savings in a scheme offering unfeasibly high...
Swipers Still Swiping
Despite the ongoing efforts of Islamic political parties to criminalize sex outside of marriage, Indonesians are still flocking to online...
Delving into the Dark Web
Much has been written in Indonesia about the ‘deep web’ and the ‘dark web’ – much of it ill-informed scaremongering....
Sexploitation, Lies and Video
Amid the almost daily allegations of sexual abuse by Hollywood celebrities, there is an understandable response of condemnation and moral...
How to Get Poor Fast
One of the most popular ways to get rich in Indonesia is through politics. There are endless possibilities for self-enrichment...
Phony Document & Sweepstakes Hustles
Imagine finding a cheque for US$350,000, or picking up a winning sweepstakes ticket on the street. Too good to be...
The Online Virginity Auctioneer
A man who auctioned virgins online claims he merely wanted to fund a sexual revolution to free Indonesia from corruption,...
Manufacturing Hatred
Punishing those who propagate radical hate-speech is not enough. Their ultimate paymasters must be named and brought to justice. President...
Police Bust Bogus Bruneian Businessman Scam
Beware of helping friendly strangers wanting to use your bank account for business or charitable purposes, especially if they try...
The Root of All Evil
A travel agency has scammed millions of dollars from Muslims who wanted to visit Mecca. Victims are now clamouring for...
King Con Gets 18 Years for Murders
Notorious conman and cult leader Taat Pribadi, who gave himself the noble-sounding title of Dimas Kanjeng, has been sentenced to...
In the Name of the Fraudster
Indonesian media recently seized on the story of a gang that forged letters from President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo to request...
Fool’ Gold Fever
If you want to invest in gold, a 1 kilogram bar will set you back about US$40,000 at today’s prices...
Bank Indonesia Warns Of Fake Cash Across Country
Bank Indonesia has warned that while counterfeit banknotes have dropped in circulation in recent years consumers must stay savvy as...
Bandung Zoo Accuses Fundraiser of Fraud
Indonesian zoos do not enjoy a sterling reputation for animal care. When foreigners try to intervene, officials become upset –...
Don’t Show, Do Tell
Beware of sharing a nude selfie in Indonesia. You could be extorted or even criminalized. There’s an old internet joke...
Beware of the Men in Uniform
Posing as policemen and pilots, con men are able to steal women’s hearts and then their money. It is often...