Customs Foreclosure Fraud 2022 Sets Record, Losses Exceed IDR 8.3 Billion!

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By:

Team Hukumindo

Previously, the www.hukumindo.com platform has talk about "Mengenal Kamala Harris, Wakil Presiden AS", "I Have a Contract Whose Goods Have Not Been Delivered, How Do I Sue Under Indonesian Law?", "How To Report Online Scammer Or Fraud To The Police In Indonesia", "How to Open a Police Report in Indonesia?", "Beware of Scams Impersonating Love", "Elements of the Fraud According to Indonesia Criminal Law", you may read also "What Is the Difference Between Fraud and Embezzlement Under Indonesian Law?" and on this occasion we will discuss about 'Customs Foreclosure Fraud 2022 Sets Record, Losses Exceed IDR 8.3 Billion!'.

Rising Crime Rate

The number of frauds that 'profiteered' the name of the Directorate General of Customs and Excise (Ditjen Customs) of the Ministry of Finance was a record. As of November 2022, the number of frauds has reached nearly 7 thousand cases. In 2022 the number of fraud cases was 6,958, higher than in 2021 which was 2,491 cases, and in 2020 there were 3,284. For this fraud, the Directorate General of Customs and Excise said the total loss reached IDR 8.3 billion.[1] As the link above, this platform has discussed many topic about online fraud in Indonesia. It turns out that the number of crimes of this type in 2022 has increased. Of course it's very unfortunate, and it's good that we are more vigilant about this one crime.

"In 2021 there was a drop, and this year it was a record. We must convey, until November there were almost 7 thousand cases. Maybe now there are 7 thousand. This is a total loss of IDR 8.3 billion," said Head of the Sub-Directorate of Public Relations and Customs Counseling, Hatta Wardhana in a Media Briefing at the Customs and Excise Head Office, Jakarta, Thursday (22/12/2022). Hatta explained, the loss was calculated based on the money that had been transferred by the victim and reported to the Directorate General of Customs and Excise. He also said that the Directorate General of Customs and Excise managed to save IDR 12.6 billion from potential fraud. "Potentials that can be saved, they only told stories but didn't have time to transfer them. Just reported them to us. The potential is 12.6 billion," he said.[2]

Characteristics of Fraud By 'Profiting' from Customs

To prevent fraud, Hatta asked the public not to panic when contacted by fraudsters. According to him, fraudsters use the name of Customs so that the victim is more intimidated and complies with the wishes of the perpetrator. Hatta described the characteristics of fraud in carrying out the action. For example, asking for a levy with unreasonable reasons, such as a higher tax than the goods purchased. Fraudsters also often post uniformed profile photos and use business accounts, up to personal cell phone numbers.[3]

Fraud perpetrators also often threaten victims with threats of imprisonment and fines if the perpetrator does not comply. They also give a short time limit, for example to transfer money, so that the victim doesn't have time to think logically.Then ask for a number of payments to be directed to a personal account. Please note that payment of import duties and import taxes uses a billing code as a payment reference, not a personal account.[4]

People are asked to be more vigilant, especially on weekends and ahead of national holidays. The reason is that fraud is rife at this time because government and banking offices are closed, making it difficult for victims to confirm.[5]

Fraud Mode By 'Profiting' from Customs

Head of the Customs Public Relations and Counseling Sub-Directorate, Hatta Wardhana explained, the fraudulent use of the name of Customs and Excise was carried out through a certain mode. The romance mode is a fraud with an online introduction mode, then the perpetrator makes an intense approach. The perpetrator also promised to send goods or gifts to the victim.[6]

Another mode is the auction fraud mode. The perpetrators pretended to be auctioning goods confiscated by Customs. However, the auction price offered is quite skewed.[7]

Then there is the mode of fraud under the guise of an online shop that targets online consumers, both domestic and foreign buyers. There is also a diplomatic mode, by sending goods via diplomatic mail or passengers.[8]

Then there is the money laundering scam. This fraud mode is carried out by making acquaintances online, then enticing them to come and bring cash, or sending large cash gifts.[9] And if you have any legal issue with this topic, contact us then, feel free in 24 hour, we will be happy to assist you. 

*) For further information please contact:

Mahmud Kusuma Advocate

Law Office

Jakarta - Indonesia.

E-mail: mahmudkusuma22@gmail.com

________________

References:

1. "Penipuan Catut Bea Cukai 2022 Cetak Rekor, Kerugian Tembus Rp 8,3 Miliar!", finance.detik.com., Oleh: Ilyas Fadilah, Diakses pada tanggal 1 Januari 2023, Link: https://finance.detik.com/berita-ekonomi-bisnis/d-6475740/penipuan-catut-bea-cukai-2022-cetak-rekor-kerugian-tembus-rp-83-miliar

2. Ibid.

3. Ibid.

4. Ibid.

5. Ibid.

6. "Awas! Penipuan Catut Bea Cukai, Modusnya Lelang Online sampai Kencan Virtual", //finance.detik.com., Oleh: Ilyas Fadilah, Diakses pada tanggal 1 Januari 2023, Link: https://finance.detik.com/berita-ekonomi-bisnis/d-6475576/awas-penipuan-catut-bea-cukai-modusnya-lelang-online-sampai-kencan-virtual

7. Ibid.

8. Ibid.

9. Ibid.