Job scams in Indonesia: the tactics to recognise
Learn how job scams work, how to check an employer, and what to do if you have already been caught.
Summary
- We explain 11 job scam tactics step by step.
- New to this? Read the signs of a fake job and how to check an employer first.
- Already paid, or want to report? The last section has the steps.
What should you know first?
- How to spot a fake job offer in Indonesia (loker bodong) and tell real from fake Signs of a fake job offer in Indonesia, from the Ministry of Manpower and OJK: fees, unrealistic pay, free e-mail, chat-only interviews. How to check one.
- How to verify a company in Indonesia before you apply: AHU, NIB, P3MI, SOEs and OJK How to check a company in Indonesia before applying: search the PT on AHU Online, match its official contacts, and check overseas agencies on SISKOP2MI.
- Job Scam and Online Fraud Statistics in Indonesia
- Indonesia Job Scam Report 2026: official data on fake job offers and their tactics KarirAman's annual report on job scams in Indonesia in 2026: official OJK, foreign ministry and KP2MI data, a tactic taxonomy, methodology and how to cite it.
- Official recruitment: real careers sites and e-mail
Which job scam tactics are common?
- APK files disguised as job applications or interview letters
- Human trafficking (TPPO) through job offers
- Overseas jobs that end in online-scam compounds
- Factory job brokers and 'inside track' offers
- Fake cruise ship jobs
- Fake HR recruiters on WhatsApp and Telegram
- Fake modelling castings
- Fake SOE (BUMN) and civil service (CPNS) recruitment
- Fees for training, medical checks, uniforms or ID cards
- Overseas job scams through illegal agents
- Part-time 'like and subscribe' task scams
Already caught, or want to report?
- How to report a job scam or online scam in Indonesia: official channels for your situation How to report a job scam in Indonesia: a police report at the SPKT desk, IASC if you paid, KP2MI for overseas recruitment. Pick your situation.
- Sent money to a job scammer in Indonesia? Steps for the first hour, day and week Paid a job scammer in Indonesia? Call your bank, report to IASC and make a police report. The sooner you report, the better the chance of a freeze.