On 21 December 2023, a series of fraud case incidents took place involving multiple business owners in the Sanur area of Bali. Two individuals, claiming to be police officers, visited various offices and shops in Sanur, soliciting donations purportedly on behalf of the Bali police.
These two individuals confessed to their affiliation with the police force and presented a document stating that the Bali police were engaged in a social initiative named “Unite Determination, Embrace Diversity for Indonesia (Lupakan Perbedaan, Satukan Tekad, Menuju Indonesia Jaya).” They requested an amount of IDR 2.5 million.
The letter presented purported representation from the “Retired Police Family Association” in the Denpasar area, bearing the names of several police officers listed as administrators.
These individuals exerted forceful demands, seeking IDR 2.5 million from multiple business owners and employees within the shops. Their persistent and coercive behaviour left several business owners deeply unsettled, as they felt compelled and pressured to make donations.
Increasing Fraud Case in Bali as Christmas and Year’s End Approach
Instances of this fraudulent nature are not new occurrences in Bali or Indonesia. The widespread incidents of extortion that unfolded in Bali preceding the extended Christmas and New Year holidays in 2024 have emerged as a highly concerning issue for the public, business owners, and tourists alike.
Fraudsters typically fabricate permits and other documents to dupe their potential victims. Many fall prey to such schemes because these frauds are meticulously planned and operate with a sophisticated system. A similar incident occurred in August 2023 when the Jembrana Police apprehended a fraud syndicate engaged in illicit levies on business owners under the guise of celebrating Indonesia’s Independence Day.
The culprit, I Komang Adi Kusuma Putra, was apprehended for exploiting the name of the Jembrana Regency village youth community for his activities. He garnered IDR 500 thousand while touring various shopping and business areas.
Significant national celebrations in Indonesia often serve as opportunities for perpetrators to carry out fraudulent activities like this. Consequently, the number of fraud cases in Indonesia continues to steadily rise each year.
Unresolved Illegal Levies on Business Owners and Tourists in Bali
New business owners in Bali or tourists who are planning a visit should exercise caution regarding the increasing instances of fraud. The Sanur incident is just one among several types of scams prevalent in the area. These include overcharging by online motorcycle taxi operators outside the app, restaurants inflating prices for tourists, fraudulent practices at currency exchange points, and various other scams that one might encounter daily.
Here are some tips to help you steer clear of fraud while in Bali:
- Be confident in refusing approaches from unfamiliar individuals.
- Implement preventive measures like using hidden cameras or recording audio if you sense a suspicious situation.
- Remain cautious and don’t fall for enticing claims made by fraudsters. Verify information by researching online.
- Steer clear of meeting strangers in secluded areas.
- Keep the emergency contact number for the Bali police saved for immediate access.
