Local police in North Kuta already arrested three money exchange scammers captured in Canggu on Sunday (20/11/2022). Reported by a British foreigner, Scott James Deakin (27) while exchanging Euros and US dollars but was tricked by two money changer counters on his way back to his hotel.
At that time, Scott exchanged 300 Euros at a rate of IDR 15,000, but only received IDR 2,750,000 instead of IDR 4,735,500. Later, he went to another money changer for another cash of 800 USD. But, the perpetrator said he only handed over 600 USD.
Scott realized he had been scammed after arriving at the hotel, and start filed a police complaint. The local police starts the investigation and captured three people IKS (21), AS (16), and WM (17). Two were released for being underage but still remained as money exchange scammers in Canggu.
Badung Police spokesman I Ketut Sudana said ‘that investigation into the alleged scam is ongoing, and the witness confessed it was a scam and to seek profit by providing money exchange services.’
Bali Tourism Grows Rapidly
Based on data from the Bali Central Bureau of Statistics, the total number of arrival tourists to Bali in September 2022 was 291.162 people and rapidly grew especially after the Bali G20 Event on 13-17 November.
That makes all the foreign currency exchange activities grow rapidly.
Bank of Indonesia also stated, the transactions for Non-Bank Foreign Exchange Business Activities (Kupva-BB) in Bali in May 2022, reached IDR 405,6 billion or grew by 253.7 percent (YoY).
Also Read: Jimbaran Beach Bali: A Complete Travel Guide Before You Go
Money Changer Tips
Bank of Indonesia Bali has partnered with Bali Foreign Exchange Affiliate (APVA) to improve digital services in the currency exchange business. They are developing a currency exchange application (www.authorizedmoneychanger.id). This application provides location information and currency exchange rates from licensed money changers across Bali.
