Tips To Avoid Gendam Mode Scams In Crowded Centers

Head of Humas Polda Central Java Kombes Pol M Iqbal Alqudusy/ Photo: Central Java Police

JAKARTA – The increase in homecoming traffic occurred by a significant amount compared to the previous year. Community activities have increased both before and after the 2022 Eid Al-Fitr. Many places or crowded centers are full of people who want to travel, such as terminals, airports, and stations. Along with these activities, the public needs to be aware of criminal acts.

Regarding gendam actions circulating in the community, the Central Java Police Chief through the Head of Humas Kombes Pol M Iqbal Alqudusy emphasized that many gendam crimes occur in markets or crowd centers.

"The victims are quite a lot. Based on the events on the ground, most of the victims of the gendam are traders, travelers and residents in the center of the crowd," said Kombes Iqbal via text message, recently.

Iqbal said that gendam mode crimes often occur when people's economic activity increases. The perpetrators usually target the center of the crowd, the terminal as well as shops and markets.

"We also found travellers who are victims of gendam. The preparation period for Eid and going home is quite vulnerable to this type of crime," he added.

The police, continued Iqbal, have dispatched a patrol team from an early age to anticipate this.

"Open and closed patrols as well as appeals to the public continue to be carried out. Including coordinating with terminal and market managers. We invite all parties to anticipate disturbances in the Kamtibmas including gendams," he explained.

According to Iqbal, the perpetrators of the gendam mode of crime use hypnotic tricks to play the subconscious of their potential victims.

The victims were dazed and often only realized when the perpetrators had fled after carrying out their actions.

"For prosecution, the police have actually arrested a lot of gendam perpetrators. Against those who are proven to have committed gendam actions or hypnosis, the police can arrest the perpetrators under Article 378 of the Criminal Code because actually hypnosis (gendam) is a series of ruse words or a series of lies, persuasion that convinces people others to follow the words of the perpetrator," he said.

According to Iqbal, there are a number of tips so that residents do not become victims of gendams. So far these tips have been proven safe to prevent or thwart the actions of gendam perpetrators.

"But for sure, we must pray and focus our minds before going out of the house," he said.

Iqbal reminded, fatigue conditions on the trip also have the potential to cause someone to be easily carried away.

"So it's better if we have friends or family when we travel. So that we can stay focused and comfortable because we have friends to talk to," he said.

In full, according to Iqbal, a number of effective tips to prevent gendam actions include:

1. Do not carry excessive money, do not carry a lot of valuables or flashy jewelry.

2. Try not to travel alone. Invite family or friends to accompany you on the trip.

3. Always be alert and avoid daydreaming. The most vulnerable condition is when a person is tired or unfocused. 4. Beware of applause from strangers.

5. Be careful with new people, especially those who seem friendly and want to have an intense conversation, and

6. Be aware when there are irregularities in the body. Like suddenly drowsy, feeling nauseous and dizzy.

The essence of the above tips, said Iqbal, is that people must stay focused and pray a lot when doing activities or traveling.

"If you feel something suspicious or something is wrong, don't hesitate to contact the police and other closest officers to ask for help," he added.