Bali Police Uncover Two Online Scams Involving Fake Korean Visa Services and Australian Job Offers
Bali Police's cybercrime unit have arrested two suspects behind separate online scams promising visa changes for work in South Korea and job opportunities in Australia, with total victim losses of about Rp313 million. While the victims were Indonesian nationals, the case highlights tactics—social media outreach, staged payment requests, fake documentation promises—that foreign residents and travelers should also watch for.
Bali Police's Cyber Crime Investigation Directorate announced in October the arrest of two suspects, identified by initials IKS and IGRY, for allegedly running separate online fraud schemes involving fake visa processing and overseas job placement services. Combined losses to victims totaled approximately Rp313 million.
In the first case, suspect IKS allegedly contacted an Indonesian worker in South Korea via TikTok, claiming to help convert the victim's E-9 work visa into an F-2 long-term residency visa and arrange a job transfer from fishing work to sectors such as food canning, plastics manufacturing, laundry services, or restaurants. The suspect reportedly requested payments in stages—citing identity document fees, apartment rent, visa administration, notary fees, and immigration costs—resulting in 56 separate transfers between July 2025 and June 2026 totaling roughly Rp295 million. The promised visa and job changes never materialized. IKS was apprehended in Malang, East Java.
In the second case, suspect IGRY allegedly offered a victim a job opportunity in Australia tied to a "Tattoo Expo" event, found through a Facebook group, and requested Rp18 million in registration and departure processing fees. Payments were made in installments, but the promised departure never happened. IGRY was arrested on October 5, 2026, in Jembrana regency.
Both suspects face charges under Indonesia's Electronic Information and Transactions Law and the Criminal Code's fraud provisions, carrying potential penalties of up to six years in prison and fines of up to Rp1 billion. Police urged the public to verify the legitimacy of anyone offering visa or overseas job services through social media before making any payments.
Things to Consider
Be cautious of unsolicited visa processing or overseas job offers received through social media or messaging apps—staged, incremental payment requests are a common red flag for scams. Always handle visa or permit matters through official Imigrasi offices or verified licensed agents rather than individual social media contacts. If you receive a suspicious offer, verify the identity and business registration of the person or agency before sending any money, and consult local police or your embassy if you suspect fraud.
Source: ANTARA News Bali