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88 Chinese Scammers Arrested In Indonesia
By SCARS Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
Indonesian Law Enforcement Arrests 88 Chinese Nationals Working In Call Center Over Online Romance Scams
Indonesian police have arrested 88 Chinese nationals on suspicion of running online romance scams. The suspects, who were arrested in a raid on a rented house in Jakarta, are accused of using fake profiles to befriend people on social media and then conning them out of money.
The suspects allegedly targeted victims in Indonesia, China, and other countries. They would pose as wealthy foreigners and strike up relationships with their victims. Once they had gained the victims’ trust, they would ask for money for various reasons, such as medical expenses or travel costs.
The investigation into the scam began in May 2023, when a victim in Indonesia reported to the police that she had been conned out of $10,000. Police then traced the money to the rented house in Jakarta.
The 88 suspects are facing charges of fraud and electronic money laundering. If convicted, they could face up to 20 years in prison and deportation to China where they could face additional charges and a devastating lifetime social credit score.
This is not the first time that Indonesian police have arrested Chinese nationals for running online romance scams. In 2022, police arrested 120 Chinese nationals on similar charges.
Online romance scams are a growing problem in Indonesia. In 2022, the Indonesian government’s anti-cybercrime agency received over 1,000 complaints about online romance scams.
The authorities are urging people to be wary of online romance scams. They advise people to never send money to someone they have met online and to be suspicious of anyone who asks for money for unexpected reasons.
According to the Associated Press:
BATAM, Indonesia (AP) — Indonesian police said Wednesday they have arrested 88 Chinese citizens for involvement in a cross-border telephone and online romance scam syndicate after receiving a tip from the Chinese security ministry.
The suspects, including five women, were arrested on Batam island, next to Singapore, said Riau Islands police spokesperson Zahwani Pandra Arsyad. They were working from a shophouse, a building with mixed commercial and residential use, in an industrial park. Police believe the suspects are members of a telephone fraud and online love scam syndicate, Arsyad said.
Most of their targets appeared to be fellow Chinese who were called over the internet and tricked into transferring money after the callers manipulated the “human emotion” of the victims, Arsyad said. A preliminary investigation showed the gang had been operating since early this year, ensnaring hundreds of victims in China, but it is unclear how much money they had collected.
“We are still investigating this case, including whether any Indonesians among the victims,” Arsyad said, adding that none of the suspects can speak or write the Indonesian language. “If there are none, we would deport all of them immediately.”
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Indonesian Law Enforcement Arrests 88 Chinese Nationals Working In Call Center Over Online Romance Scams
- According to the Associated Press:
- Important Information for New Scam Victims
- Statement About Victim Blaming
- SCARS INSTITUTE RESOURCES:
- Psychology Disclaimer:
- More ScamsNOW.com Articles
- A Question of Trust
- SCARS Institute™ ScamsNOW Magazine
Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc. [SCARS]
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Statement About Victim Blaming
Some of our articles discuss various aspects of victims. This is both about better understanding victims (the science of victimology) and their behaviors and psychology. This helps us to educate victims/survivors about why these crimes happened and not to blame themselves, better develop recovery programs, and help victims avoid scams in the future. At times, this may sound like blaming the victim, but it does not blame scam victims; we are simply explaining the hows and whys of the experience victims have.
These articles, about the Psychology of Scams or Victim Psychology – meaning that all humans have psychological or cognitive characteristics in common that can either be exploited or work against us – help us all to understand the unique challenges victims face before, during, and after scams, fraud, or cybercrimes. These sometimes talk about some of the vulnerabilities the scammers exploit. Victims rarely have control of them or are even aware of them, until something like a scam happens, and then they can learn how their mind works and how to overcome these mechanisms.
Articles like these help victims and others understand these processes and how to help prevent them from being exploited again or to help them recover more easily by understanding their post-scam behaviors. Learn more about the Psychology of Scams at www.ScamPsychology.org
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IF YOU HAVE BEEN VICTIMIZED BY A SCAM OR CYBERCRIME
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Psychology Disclaimer:
All articles about psychology and the human brain on this website are for information & education only
The information provided in this and other SCARS articles are intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.
Note about Mindfulness: Mindfulness practices have the potential to create psychological distress for some individuals. Please consult a mental health professional or experienced meditation instructor for guidance should you encounter difficulties.
While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.
If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.
Also read our SCARS Institute Statement about Professional Care for Scam Victims – click here
If you are in crisis, feeling desperate, or in despair, please call 988 or your local crisis hotline.
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A Question of Trust
At the SCARS Institute, we invite you to do your own research on the topics we speak about and publish. Our team investigates the subject being discussed, especially when it comes to understanding the scam victims-survivors’ experience. You can do Google searches, but in many cases, you will have to wade through scientific papers and studies. However, remember that biases and perspectives matter and influence the outcome. Regardless, we encourage you to explore these topics as thoroughly as you can for your own awareness.
