Inp.polri.go.id - Trenggalek.  The Trenggalek Sub-regional Police in East Java have arrested a scammer operating through an online matchmaking application. The suspect, identified as DFA from Bantul, Yogyakarta, exploited the application to defraud a female victim in Trenggalek, resulting in substantial financial losses, Trenggalek Police Chief Superintendent Gathut Bowo Supriyono said on Wednesday (3/1/2024) DFA employed a deceptive approach, posing as an officer from the National Cyber and Encryption Agency (BSSN). This tactic successfully lured KTN, a local woman, into a seemingly serious relationship that eventually involved intimate activities, antaranews.com reported. The suspect repeatedly extorted money from the victim, alleging it was necessary for an adoption process. When suspicions arose, DFA convinced the victim that they would get married. To reinforce this, DFA even visited the victim's house and claimed to be a BSSN member. Despite promising to return with family for a formal proposal on January 1, 2024, DFA failed to appear. The victim's family, prepared for the proposal, became suspicious, leading them to report the incident to the Panggul Police. Swift police action resulted in DFA's arrest. Investigations revealed DFA's false BSSN affiliation and the money solicited was used for trading. The suspect faces charges under Article 378 or 372 of the Criminal Code, with a maximum prison sentence of four years. Authorities warn the public to remain vigilant against various forms of online scams. (mg/inp/pr/nm)