A Task Force to Combat Illegal Financial Activities (Satgas PASTI), initiated by the Financial Services Authority (OJK) along with 16 ministries/agencies, has officially shut down illegal operations disguised as part-time job offers and robot trading. Both entities were found to engage in fraudulent activities without proper authorization from relevant authorities.
In an official statement, Hudiyanto, the Secretariat of the Task Force to Combat Illegal Financial Activities, stated that the two entities involved are Bartle Bogle Hegarty (BBH) Indonesia and Smart Wallet.
The BBH Indonesia application, which circulated, falsely claimed association with Bartle Bogle Hegarty (BBH), an advertising agency based in the UK. BBH Indonesia offered part-time jobs through a downloadable application.
BBH Indonesia promised daily earnings and required deposits from its members. They implemented a referral system and promised tiered bonuses.
Another tactic employed by BBH Indonesia was the use of foreign nationals in meetings to persuade its members.
"After verification, coordination meetings with Task Force members, and summoning several branch leaders of BBH Indonesia, Satgas PASTI concluded that the activities carried out by BBH Indonesia constitute fraud and are not in accordance with the permissions issued by the Ministry of Investment/BKPM," said Hudiyanto, as quoted on Monday (18/3/2024).
Regarding this matter, Satgas PASTI has taken actions including blocking access and links/URLs, blocking related bank account numbers, and coordinating with law enforcement authorities.
"Satgas PASTI also urges the public to be wary of scams involving part-time job offers, which have become increasingly prevalent lately," he emphasized.
So far, Satgas PASTI has identified at least 12 entities offering part-time jobs with deposit systems.
In addition to BBH, the Commodity Futures Trading Regulatory Agency (Bappebti) and the Directorate General of Domestic Trade of the Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia have also taken action against the robot trading entity Smart Wallet. It was found to engage in fund-raising activities through multi-level marketing and lacked operating permits in Indonesia.
"The Commodity Futures Trading Regulatory Agency and the Directorate General of Domestic Trade of the Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia have blocked access and links/URLs from Smart Wallet in cooperation with the Ministry of Communication and Information of the Republic of Indonesia," he explained.
Furthermore, Satgas PASTI will block related bank account numbers following this discovery. Satgas PASTI also encourages the public to be vigilant in accepting offers from irresponsible parties.