People Must Be Alert, Fraudulent Investments Are Still Marak

JAKARTA - Fraud of fraudulent investments is increasingly rife in Indonesia, threatening the financial security of the community. In the National Seminar entitled "Beware of Fraud Investment Crimes" which was held on August 24, 2024 at Taman Impian Jaya Ancol, Jakarta, legal experts and cybersecurity emphasized the importance of public awareness. They stated that along with the rapid development of information technology, the mode of investment fraud is increasingly sophisticated and difficult to recognize.

Oktavianus Setiawan, SH., a legal practitioner who often handles investment fraud cases, revealed that many people are still trapped in fraudulent investment schemes despite the efforts of the authorities. "The Fahrenheit trading robot case is a real example, in which thousands of people are victims with losses reaching billions of rupiah," Oktavianus said in a written statement received Monday, August 26. In that case, the West Jakarta District Court has sentenced the perpetrators to 10 years in prison and ordered refunds to the victims.

According to data from the Financial Services Authority (OJK), losses due to illegal investment fraud reached IDR 139.67 trillion between 2017 and 2023. Prof. Dr. Suhandi Cahaya, a criminal law expert who was also a speaker at this seminar, emphasized the importance of legal certainty for investors. He argues that strong legal protection can prevent rampant investment fraud and provide a sense of security for investors, which in turn will support national economic growth.

The seminar also features Roy Shakti, CEO of Ritz Academy, a cyber observer, who provides insight into how to detect fraudulent investments through analysis of the patterns of behavior and technology used by fraudsters. The event was attended by about 100 participants from various backgrounds, including legal practitioners, academics, entrepreneurs, and students. The participants agreed that increasing awareness and education is the main key to preventing investment fraud.

The event organizer, Media Angle View, took advantage of the momentum of his 9th birthday to hold this seminar as an effort to increase public literacy about the dangers of fraudulent investments. Established since 2015, the Media Angle of View has continued to be committed to providing educational and credible information, both through print and online media.