Two women arrested after luring victims with false job offers and collecting recruitment fees.
A large-scale job scam was uncovered in Batam, in which 140 job seekers were tricked into paying recruitment fees for non-existent positions at a manufacturing company. The suspects, identified as ST and H, deceived victims by posing as HR personnel and promising employment at PT Sumitomo. The fraudulent scheme, which had been operating since January 2025, led to financial losses of IDR 140 million (SGD 11,620).
Job scams are becoming increasingly common in Indonesia, targeting desperate job seekers with fraudulent job offers. In this case, the scammers exploited job seekers’ trust by using social media to advertise fake vacancies. Victims were convinced to pay recruitment fees ranging from IDR 700,000 (SGD 58) to IDR 1 million (SGD 83), believing they were securing positions. However, the jobs never existed, and the perpetrators disappeared with the money.
Unraveling the Recruitment Scam
The fraudulent scheme came to light after months of uncertainty for job seekers in Batam. Victims, initially hopeful about their new opportunities, became suspicious when they received no updates or job placements. Their frustration grew as the supposed HR representatives, ST and H, continued to provide excuses. Eventually, realizing they had been deceived, victims reported the matter to the Barelang Police.
On February 24, 2025, the police arrested ST and H following an extensive investigation. According to Batam Police Criminal Investigation Unit Chief AKP Debby Tri Andrestian, the suspects recruited victims through social media, luring them into exclusive chat groups. They required job seekers to pay fees under the pretense of a “formal recruitment process.” To make the scam appear legitimate, the fraudsters even distributed company uniforms, leading applicants to believe they would soon start work.
AKP Debby warned the public, saying, “Scammers often exploit people’s desperation. Always verify job offers with the company directly before making any payments. Legitimate companies do not charge recruitment fees.”
Legal Action and Financial Impact
The scam resulted in losses of IDR 140 million (SGD 11,620), with ST and H profiting from their deceptive practices. The authorities confirmed that neither suspect was affiliated with PT Sumitomo and had no legitimate hiring authority. Police also discovered that ST received IDR 4.5 million (SGD 374) as her share of the fraudulent earnings, while H managed the bulk of the funds.
Both suspects now face legal action under Articles 372 and 378 of the Indonesian Penal Code, which cover fraud and embezzlement. If convicted, they could be sentenced to up to five years in prison. The police are also investigating other possible accomplices, including individuals who facilitated the collection and transfer of funds.
Raising Awareness to Prevent Future Scams
This case underscores the need for increased public awareness about job recruitment scams. Authorities urge job seekers to verify job offers through official company websites and avoid paying any upfront fees. Legitimate employers do not request payment during the hiring process, and any such request should be considered a red flag.
The police have advised victims to report any similar scams and encourage the public to be cautious when seeking employment. Many scams operate under the guise of professional recruitment, making it crucial for individuals to conduct thorough background checks before committing to any job offer.
Deputy Chief of Barelang Police, Kompol Andi Herman, emphasized, “We encourage job seekers to remain vigilant and only engage with legitimate recruitment agencies. If something seems suspicious, report it immediately to the authorities.”
The rise of job recruitment scams in Batam underscores the importance of vigilance and due diligence in employment searches. The arrest of the suspects serves as a warning to those who exploit job seekers, while also emphasizing the need for stricter regulations and public awareness campaigns. Authorities continue to urge job seekers to verify job opportunities through official company channels, avoid upfront payments, and report any suspicious activities to the police. Strengthening preventive measures and fostering transparency in hiring processes will be key to protecting individuals from similar fraudulent schemes in the future.
Sources: RRI (2025), iNews Batam (2025)
Keywords: Job Scam Batam, Recruitment Fraud, Fake HR Personnel, Police Investigation, Financial Loss Victims
