The Rise of Fake BTS Scams: Understanding the Threat

Modus Operandi of Fake BTS Scammers

Scammers are using fake Base Transceiver Station (BTS) to commit fraud, exploiting the relative ease of obtaining and assembling the necessary equipment. According to Heru Sutadi, Chairman of the Communication and Education Commission at the National Consumer Protection Agency (BPKN), the lack of stringent regulations from the government and cellular operators complicates efforts to curb this practice. The criminals frequently change locations, making detection challenging. Moreover, the low digital literacy among the public makes victims more likely to trust SMS messages without verifying their authenticity.

How Fake BTS Scams Work

The perpetrators use fake BTS to send SMS phishing messages containing malicious links. These messages often appear to come from legitimate companies, including banks, thereby gaining the trust of the recipients. The primary targets are personal data, one-time passwords (OTP), and ultimately, draining the victims' bank accounts. The Executive Director in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) highlighted that these criminals exploit the trust associated with official communications to commit their crimes.

Protecting Against Fake BTS Scams

To safeguard against such scams, it is crucial to be cautious with unsolicited SMS messages. Verifying the authenticity of messages purportedly from banks or other companies is essential. The public should be aware of the risks associated with clicking on unverified links, especially those asking for personal or financial information. Enhancing digital literacy and implementing stricter regulations on the use of BTS equipment are critical steps in mitigating this threat.