Shopping for household needs through marketplaces, social media, or private chats is indeed convenient. However, there is one habit that often makes buyers complacent: assuming that a screenshot of a transfer receipt is proof that the money has truly been received.
In fact, such images can be edited or recreated. Conversely, notifications that appear official do not necessarily mean that the transaction is safe. A more appropriate way is to check the payment status from your banking app, digital wallet, or official order page—not just relying on images sent via WhatsApp.
Differentiate Between Payment Proof and Transaction Confirmation
Payment proof is information indicating that someone claims to have made a payment. Examples include screenshots from mobile banking, photos of receipts, or messages stating "payment has been transferred".
Transaction confirmation is a direct verification from the recipient's account or payment system. This should be the basis for shipping goods, providing voucher codes, or completing orders.
The difference may seem small, but the impact is significant. A screenshot only shows an image. Checking account mutations shows whether the money is actually recorded in your account.
Why Are Screenshots Easily Deceptive?
Fraudsters do not always use complicated techniques. They can change the recipient's name, amount, date, or transaction status on the image using photo editing apps. There is also a “wrong transfer” modus operandi that asks victims to immediately return the money, even though the funds have never been received.
Time pressure is often part of their modus. Scammers may say that the courier is waiting, a promotional price will expire, or the account will be blocked if payment is not confirmed immediately. The goal is to make us decide before we have a chance to double-check.
The important fact is: banks or payment providers do not consider screenshots from others as primary proof of transactions. Therefore, the habit of checking your own app is much safer than assessing whether an image looks convincing.
Steps to Check Payments Before Sending Goods
- Open your own bank or digital wallet app. Do not check through links sent by buyers or sellers. If you need to log in again, type the app's address or use the official app that is already installed.
- Check the transaction mutations. Look for the amount, time, sender's name, and reference number if available. Do not just look at the total balance because the balance can change due to other transactions.
- Match the amount precisely. If the price of the item is Rp185,000, the payment of Rp185,000 must be recorded correctly. Even a small difference should be confirmed before the order is processed.
- Pay attention to the transaction status. Statuses like successful, completed, or funds received are stronger than messages saying "processing". If the status is still pending, do not assume the payment is final.
- Use the marketplace payment system if available. This system usually holds funds temporarily until the order is received or the dispute process is completed. Switching to personal transfers just because the seller requested it can reduce buyer protection.
If You Are in the Buyer’s Position
Buyers also need to be cautious about payment requests outside the app. Sellers may send a new account number, request additional fees to open a package, or claim that the payment failed and then ask for a re-transfer.
Before paying, check if the recipient's name matches the store or party mentioned on the order page. If the account name is different, ask for an explanation through the platform's official channel. A name difference does not always mean fraud, but it should be clarified before sending money.
Do not provide OTP, PIN, passwords, or verification codes to anyone. The OJK reminds that this data should not be given to others, including those claiming to be bank officials or customer service. Messages urging you to click a link to "cancel the transaction" should also be treated with suspicion.
Do Not Be Deceived by Fake Notifications
SMS, email, or WhatsApp notifications can be made to appear as if they are from banks, marketplaces, or delivery services. The content often exploits fear: there are suspicious transactions, packages are held up, or accounts will be deactivated.
If you receive such messages, do not click on the links. Open the official app independently and check if there are any similar notifications. Bank Indonesia also advises users to pay attention to transaction notifications and to immediately contact the issuer or bank through their official channels if they find any unauthorized transactions.
Practically, the simple rule is: messages can be a clue, but the official app is the place for verification.
If You Have Already Sent Money to a Scammer
Do not wait until the next day. Keep the transfer proof, conversations, account numbers or destination accounts, store links, phone numbers, and the time of the incident. Do not delete chats as this information can help in the reporting process.
- Immediately contact the bank or payment provider you used and request handling for the fraudulent transaction.
- Report through the Indonesia Anti-Scam Centre or IASC to assist in blocking accounts and tracing funds.
- File a report with the police for legal proceedings.
- Stop communication if the perpetrator asks for additional fees under the pretext of fund recovery, admin fees, or refund services.
IASC explains that reports need to include a chronology, source and destination account information, transaction details, and communication evidence. The speed of reporting is important because funds can be quickly transferred to another account.
Small Habits That Protect Family Money
- Do not send goods based solely on a screenshot of a transfer.
- Do not pay because you are pressured by personal messages.
- Check account mutations, not just balances or notifications.
- Keep transaction proof and conversations until the order is completely finished.
- Use official bank and marketplace channels, not numbers provided by unknown individuals.
- Teach the same rules to your partner, children, or other family members who often shop online.
Transaction security does not have to start with complicated apps. One simple habit—taking a moment to check transactions from the official app—can prevent many costly mistakes. In matters of family money, it is better to be a few minutes late than to regret after the funds cannot be recovered.
Sources & Further Reading
- Indonesia Anti-Scam Centre - OJK
- Task Force PASTI Receives 25 Thousand Complaints of Illegal Financial Activities and IASC Successfully Blocks Funds Related to Scams of Rp724 Billion - OJK
- Safe Tips and Transactions - Bank Indonesia
- Beware of Fraud Impersonating Banks via SMS - OJK
– Rio Yotto @rioyotto