As technology becomes more advanced, so do the methods fraudsters use to scam us. Knowing what to look for and how to spot red flags is the best way to avoid such scams.
Here are some simple tips to safeguard yourself from online fraud:
- Verify the source of information
It’s easy to imitate a real person or company. Make it your first instinct to ask yourself: Are they who they claim to be? Fake recruitment and investment fraud are one of the most common types of online fraud. Fraudsters usually create false websites or email addresses, or they contact their victims through messaging apps claiming to be a recruiter from a known and credible company. Their aim is to collect your personal information or request some form of payment as part of the recruitment process. Do not engage with possible scammers, even if you’re curious.
Always verify, validate, and check. Got a text claiming to be from Tokopedia about a job opportunity? Go to Tokopedia’s official career website, official LinkedIn page, and official Instagram account @InsideTokopedia to double-check its validity.
- Double (or triple) check the sender’s domain
Have you ever received a suspicious message in which the sender's address is very similar to a well-known company’s domain? This scheme is also one of the most common types of methods used in online fraud. The scammer will create similar domain names to trick the user into thinking that they are on a legitimate site.
For instance, Tokopedia’s recruitment process is only carried out via email, with @tokopedia.com as the legitimate domain. If you are contacted with any other domains, e.g. @tokopedia999.com, @tokopedia.id, or @tokopedia.org, they’re definitely scams. Always reverify to keep yourself safe from any fraudulent attempts. Simple research will tell you a lot and can quickly reveal the truth.
- Be cautious of phishing attempts
A phishing scam is when someone contacts you pretending to be an individual or company you know and tries to trick you into giving them personal information. These attempts usually contain links that may direct you to a page that can potentially retrieve your personal information, such as passcodes, passwords, bank account information, or any other important information that can be misused by irresponsible parties.
Be more cautious of links sent by unknown parties. Never click on any link, picture, or attachment sent to you. Always ask yourself whether they are relevant or if they were sent in response to a request you made on an application. Ensure that the site you visit uses HTTPS, a secure protocol for sending or receiving data over the internet.
- Think twice before sharing information
Have you heard of Social Engineering? This scheme usually manipulates a person's psychological state by creating fake scenarios that can make someone feel panicked and ultimately encourage someone to make rash decisions. The fraudster sometimes pretends to be a person you know and asks you to transfer funds immediately as an emergency call situation or urges you to provide sensitive data, such as OTP codes.
To avoid this scheme, remember that your OTP code should not be shared with anyone. It is a one-time password set as a strong form of protection to ensure your authentication and keep your account safe. Hence, no one has the right to ask for your OTP or authentication code. At Tokopedia, we always educate our users about keeping their OTP only to themselves and not sharing it even with those who claim to be employees, sellers, logistic partners, and bank partners.
- Report any suspicious activities
By understanding and recognizing scammers’ methods and tactics, we can be one step ahead in avoiding their nefarious intentions. Should you receive any fraudulent recruitment offers claiming to come from Tokopedia, please send a report to people.services@tokopedia.com or tkp.me/aduanpenipuan for any other fraudulent activities.
Let’s always stay vigilant for a safer online experience!