Beware of Fake BTS: A New Scam Disguised as Official Signals from Banks and Telecom Operators

As digital services in Indonesia continue to grow rapidly, so does the threat of financial fraud. Scammers constantly adapt their tactics, exploiting security loopholes and user vulnerabilities. One of the newest and most alarming tactics is known as Fake BTS—a scam that uses fake cellular signals to impersonate legitimate institutions and trick unsuspecting victims.

A Surge in Scam Reports, Losses in the Trillions

Between November 2024 and January 22, 2025, the Indonesia Anti-Scam Centre (IASC) received more than 30,124 reports of financial fraud involving over 49,000 accounts, with total reported losses reaching IDR 476.6 billion.

Meanwhile, as of June 2025, the Illegal Financial Activities Eradication Task Force (Satgas PASTI)—initiated by the Financial Services Authority (OJK)—had recorded over 153,000 scam complaints, with losses soaring to IDR 3.2 trillion, averaging 718 reports per day.

Among these cases, the Fake BTS scam is especially concerning due to its highly deceptive nature.

What Is Fake BTS, and How Does It Work?

Fake BTS (Base Transceiver Station) is an illegal device used by criminals to mimic a legitimate mobile network signal. Using this signal, scammers can send mass SMS messages that appear to come from trusted institutions such as banks, government agencies, or e-commerce platforms.

These messages may look convincing but often contain malicious links that redirect victims to fake websites, where sensitive data can be stolen, digital accounts hijacked, or funds withdrawn.

In early 2025, police uncovered a scam network using a mobile unit equipped with unauthorized devices broadcasting fake signals across multiple frequency bands—causing financial losses in the hundreds of millions of rupiah.

How the Fake BTS Scam Operates:

1. The perpetrator broadcasts fake mobile signals in specific areas.
2. Victims receive SMS messages that appear to be from legitimate sources.
3. The messages contain suspicious links disguised as promotions, verifications, or invoices.
4. Once clicked, victims are directed to fake login pages and prompted to input personal information.
5. Within minutes, the scammers can access accounts and steal funds.

Digital Safety Starts with Awareness and Collaboration

Addressing the Fake BTS threat requires collective action. Collaboration is needed across the ecosystem—from telecom operators and financial institutions to digital service providers, cyber agencies, and regulators—to create a strong, unified defense.

Still, users themselves play a crucial role. Digital awareness is your first and strongest shield against scams like this.

Tips to Stay Safe from Fake BTS Scams:

• Delete any suspicious SMS messages immediately.
• Never click on links from unknown or unverified sources.
• Always verify information directly from official websites or apps.
• Enable spam filters and report suspicious messages to your provider.
• Use two-factor authentication (2FA) for added account protection.

If you receive or suspect a scam, report it immediately to the following authorities:

Bank Indonesia (BI)

• Email: bicara@bi.go.id
• Online portal: bicara131.bi.go.id
• Visit your nearest BI office

OJK's Satgas PASTI

• Call Center: 157
• WhatsApp: (+62) 81-157-157-157
• Email: satgaspasti@ojk.go.id
• Instagram: @satgas_pasti

IASC: A Centralized Hub for Scam Prevention and Action

To strengthen consumer protection, OJK launched the Indonesia Anti-Scam Centre (IASC) in November 2024. This center serves as a national coordination hub between OJK, Satgas PASTI, and industry players to respond to scams swiftly and effectively.

IASC’s role includes processing scam reports, linking victims with relevant financial institutions, and providing educational resources to promote digital literacy and safety.

In today’s digital age, even a mobile signal can be manipulated. Fake BTS is a stark reminder that cybercrime is constantly evolving. The good news? With increased awareness, stronger safeguards, and collaborative action, we can protect ourselves and those around us from falling victim to these scams.

A fake message can be convincing—but your digital awareness is your best protection.