Strange Behavior Found By OJK, One Person Can Borrow In 40 Illegal Fintechs In One Week

Illustration. (Photo: Doc. Between)

JAKARTA - The Financial Services Authority (OJK) warns people not to borrow money above their limits. Because, OJK found many people can not afford to pay their loans because borrowing money in financial technology (fintech) is illegal or abal-abal with nominal limits on its ability.

OJK's Board of Commissioners for Consumer Protection Tirta Segara explained that it had received complaints against illegal fintech that asked for help in finding a way out to the OJK because it could not afford to pay its debts.

"But after we drilled deeper it turned out that they also borrowed more than 10 fintechs at once. In fact we found several cases of a consumer in a week borrowing more than 40 fintechs. This is not wise (because) beyond its capabilities," he said in a webinar titled Protecting the Public from Fintech And Illegal Investment, Jakarta, Tuesday, April 13.

Tirta considers this behavior less wise than the community in making transactions. OJK, he continued, as an authority that gives licenses or permits to fintech, can only reach those registered with the OJK.

"Therefore always look at the legality. OJK also has a service to ask whether fintech or investment has been registered or not. Consumers can check to contact OJK at 157 or through WhatsApp application at 081-157157157," he said.

Previously, Tirta said that illegal investment and illegal pawns are rampant and that is happening in various regions of Indonesia. Throughout 2020 to February 2021, said Tirta, The Investment Alert Task Force (SWI) has closed 390 illegal investment activities. This means that in one day there is more than one investment activity closed.

"Then also stopped and closed also more than 1,200 illegal fintech in one year. This means that in one day it can be 3 to 4 that have been closed but still popping up. Illegal mortgages are closed there are already 92 and although in previous periods there have been many victims," he said in a webinar titled Protecting the Public from Fintech And Illegal Investment, Jakarta, Tuesday, April 13.

Although it has been closed, said Tirta, inveatasi or fintech bodong is still thriving and appears alternately. According to him, the development of information technology that is currently developing also encourages various practices of illegal activities.

"We together with SWI always give warning, socialization, give contact number to ask. But it is regrettable that there are still many members of the public who believe investment offers are illegal," he explained.