Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta.  A cybersecurity expert warned the public about scams impersonating officials from the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) on instant messaging apps following cases of impersonation targeting KPK's Deputy for Enforcement and Execution, Police Inspector General Rudi Setiawan. "The fraudsters typically search for the names of individuals they impersonate on social media and then send personalized messages to their victims," said Dr. Pratama Persadha, the Chairman of Communication and Information System Security Research (CISSReC), and a lecturer at the Police Science College (PTIK), on Friday morning (15/3/2024). Although the content of these messages remains undisclosed, he warned that perpetrators may pose as helpers offering assistance to victims facing legal issues with the KPK, as reported by antaranews.com. Alternatively, they might deceive victims by claiming they are under threat of arrest and demanding money for release. Dr. Pratama revealed ongoing investigations by the KPK and authorities into these fraudulent activities, with traces indicating the origin of fund collection accounts in North Sumatra. He emphasized that personal data leaks exacerbate these scams, as perpetrators gain access to victims' personal information, enhancing their credibility during impersonation attempts. Given the severity of these frauds, particularly when targeted individuals are involved in legal matters, Dr. Pratama advised verifying number changes with known contacts through alternative means and utilizing apps like TrueCaller or GetContact to identify unfamiliar numbers. Furthermore, he suggested using WhatsApp's 'mute' feature for unknown callers and abstaining from financial transactions with unfamiliar individuals, urging prompt reporting of suspicious activity to authorities. (mg/inp/pr/nm)