Scrolling through social media has become part of everyday life. People shop, look for jobs, build friendships, and seek opportunities online. But behind this convenience lies a growing danger: online scams that are increasingly sophisticated, organized, and difficult to detect.
Across Indonesia and Malaysia, social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube have become fertile ground for fraud. What once looked like isolated incidents has evolved into a regional digital crisis, affecting thousands of victims every year.
A recent study that closely observed real scam-related conversations on social media provides a clearer picture of how these scams operate—and how victims respond after being deceived
Scams Are No Longer Random
One of the most striking findings is that online scams today are not random acts. They follow recognizable patterns, rely on psychological manipulation, and often involve organized networks.
The research identified four dominant scam types circulating widely on social media.
The first is the cheap product scam. Fraudsters advertise products—electronics, household items, clothing—at prices far below market value. These offers create urgency and excitement. Victims rush to transfer money, only to receive counterfeit goods or nothing at all. The promise of a “good deal” becomes the bait.
The second is impersonation scams. Here, scammers pretend to be trusted individuals: friends, relatives, company representatives, religious figures, celebrities, or even government officials. By exploiting trust and authority, they persuade victims to send money or share sensitive information. Because the message appears to come from someone familiar, victims often lower their guard.
The third involves high-salary job offers. These scams target people looking for better economic opportunities. Victims are promised easy work, high income, and sometimes overseas placement. In the worst cases, these scams are linked to human trafficking, where victims lose their passports and are forced into exploitative labor.
The fourth is online part-time job scams, a growing threat among students, housewives, and freelancers. Victims are initially paid small amounts for simple tasks—liking posts or following accounts. Once trust is built, they are pressured to deposit larger sums to “unlock” higher earnings. By the time they realize what is happening, the money is gone.
Why Social Media Is So Effective for Scammers
Social media offers scammers three powerful advantages: anonymity, speed, and emotional access.
Fake accounts are easy to create. Posts can reach thousands within minutes. Personal messages feel private and trustworthy. Scammers exploit fear, hope, urgency, and authority—classic psychological triggers that override rational judgment.
Unlike traditional crimes, online scams cross borders effortlessly. A victim in Surabaya may be targeted by a scammer operating from another country. Jurisdiction becomes blurred, and accountability becomes harder to enforce.
Victims Are Not Silent
Contrary to the stereotype of helpless victims, the study shows that many people fight back once they realize they have been scammed.
One common response is public exposure. Victims record videos, share screenshots, and upload detailed accounts of the fraud on social media. These posts serve as warnings to others and help expose scam tactics. In many cases, they spread faster than official announcements.
Another response is forming victim communities. On platforms like Facebook and Instagram, victims gather in groups to share experiences, emotional support, and practical advice. These communities help victims overcome shame and isolation—two emotions that often prevent people from reporting scams.
A third response is immediate contact with banks. Victims try to freeze accounts linked to scammers as quickly as possible. While not always successful, rapid reporting can sometimes prevent further losses and disrupt fraud networks.
Interestingly, the study highlights national differences. In Indonesia, victims are more likely to rely on social media exposure and community-based responses. In Malaysia, victims tend to prioritize formal channels such as police reports and bank coordination. Both approaches reflect different levels of trust in institutions and different social dynamics—but both aim to stop further harm.
The Hidden Cost of Shame and Silence
Despite these efforts, many scams still go unreported. Shame plays a powerful role. Victims often blame themselves for being careless or naïve. This silence benefits scammers, allowing them to continue operating unchecked.
Underreporting also limits law enforcement’s ability to track patterns and dismantle networks. When scams remain invisible, they appear smaller than they really are.
Breaking this cycle requires changing how society talks about scams—not as personal failures, but as systemic digital crimes.
What Needs to Change
The findings point to several urgent needs.
First, digital literacy must go beyond basic internet skills. People need to understand how scams manipulate emotions, trust, and urgency—not just how to use apps.
Second, banks must respond faster. Delays in freezing suspicious accounts often mean money disappears within minutes. Streamlined reporting systems and better fraud detection tools are essential.
Third, cross-border cooperation is no longer optional. Scams operate across national boundaries, and enforcement must do the same.
Fourth, social media platforms must take greater responsibility. Algorithms that amplify engagement should not amplify fraud. Faster content moderation, verified reporting channels, and collaboration with authorities are crucial.
A Shared Digital Responsibility
Online scams thrive in silence, confusion, and fragmentation. They weaken trust—not only between individuals, but also in digital systems that increasingly shape modern life.
Yet the same platforms that enable scams also enable resistance. Awareness spreads. Communities form. Victims support one another. Information travels faster than ever before.
The fight against online scams is not just about technology or law enforcement. It is about collective awareness, shared responsibility, and digital empathy.
As social media continues to shape how people work, shop, and connect, understanding its risks becomes as important as enjoying its benefits. In a digital world, staying informed is no longer optional—it is a form of protection.
Author: Anak Agung Gde Satia Utama
Link to the source article: https://journal.unhas.ac.id/index.php/etnosia/article/view/44227
