Beware of Fake Transfer Receipts: Protect Your Business from New Fraud Schemes

Artificial intelligence (AI) is driving significant economic growth worldwide — including in Indonesia. According to McKinsey, AI and automation could boost Indonesia’s GDP by 0.8 to 1.4 percent annually over the next 5 to 10 years, potentially pushing national growth to 8 percent.

AI is now widely used across sectors, from agriculture and transportation to healthcare and finance. However, this rapid adoption also introduces new risks.

Emerging technologies like generative AI (GenAI), retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), and large language models (LLMs) are fueling more sophisticated digital scams. Deepfake technology — which creates realistic fake visuals, audio, or text — is being misused in fraud schemes, including forged payment receipts.

Cybersecurity Ventures projects that global cybercrime could cause losses of up to USD 10.5 trillion per year by 2025 — said to be an amount equal to the GDP of the world’s third-largest economy. This is a major red flag, especially for businesses relying on digital transactions.

Fake Transfer Receipts: A Rising Threat

In Indonesia, AI-powered scams are becoming more common. Alfons Tanujaya from Vaksincom notes that the real challenge isn’t just the AI itself, but how it’s being used to forge convincing transfer receipts using various apps and tools.

Scammers can now use platforms like ChatGPT to generate fake receipts, or edit images using AI to create documents that closely mimic genuine bank slips.

Common types of fake receipts include:

• Edited screenshots,
• Apps that simulate mobile banking,
• Digitally altered documents.

While digital tools can make transactions easier, they also increase fraud risks. Businesses must remain vigilant and conduct proper verification.

How to Spot Fake vs. Genuine Receipts

Here are some tips to help you identify fraudulent transfer receipts:

1. Look closely at small details

Fake receipts often have subtle differences in fonts, spacing, or layout compared to official bank formats.

2. Check image clarity

Edited images may appear slightly blurry, especially around key areas like the amount or bank logo.

3. Verify sender’s name and bank

Misspellings or mismatches in sender details can indicate forgery.

4. Compare with previous authentic receipts

Bank-issued receipts usually follow a consistent format — use past receipts as a reference.

5. Don’t rely on screenshots alone

Always confirm the transaction through your official banking app or internet banking to ensure the funds have been received.

Safer Ways to Verify Payments

To better protect your business, take these extra steps when verifying transactions:

1. Enable bank notifications for incoming funds

Make sure you get alerts from your bank whenever a transaction is made — this allows immediate verification without relying on customer-provided proof.

2. Request proof from official email/SMS sources

Genuine transfer confirmations typically come via the bank’s email or SMS. Ask customers to show these instead of just a screenshot.

3. Match the sender’s name and amount with your records

Double-check the name, bank, and amount against the original transaction info. Small discrepancies may signal fraud.

4. Review account activity via your bank’s app

The safest method is to log in and check your account statement directly to confirm real-time transfers.

5. Be cautious of rushed or pushy customers

Scammers often pressure merchants into skipping verification. If a customer seems impatient or aggressive, take it as a warning sign.

6. Report suspicious activity to your bank immediately

If you suspect a fake transaction, contact your bank’s official call center right away. Fast reporting can help limit the damage.

What If You’ve Been Scammed?

If you’ve verified a transaction and suspect fraud — and the bank isn’t resolving your issue — you can report it to Bank Indonesia (BI) or the Financial Services Authority (OJK).

How to file a complaint with Bank Indonesia:

• Email: bicara@bi.go.id
• Online: bicara131.bi.go.id
• Visit: The nearest Bank Indonesia office

For OJK’s Satgas PASTI:

• Call center: 157

WhatsApp: (+62) 81-157-157-157

Email: satgaspasti@ojk.go.id

Instagram: @satgas_pasti

Dealing with fake receipts requires constant vigilance and a quick response. In today’s digital age, careful verification is your first line of defense. With the right steps, you can safeguard your business from even the most convincing scams.

Better safe than sorry — always double-check before you deliver.