Indonesia Becomes Largest Job Scam Hotspot in Asia Pacific

Alarming Statistics on Job Scams

Indonesia has emerged as the largest hotspot for job scams in the Asia Pacific region, according to a recent report by Jobstreet by SEEK ¹

. The data reveals that Indonesia accounts for 38% of all job scam attempts in Asia Pacific and a significant 62% of job-related scams in Asia during the period of July 2024 to June 2025 ¹

Source 1

https://finance.detik.com/berita-ekonomi-bisnis/d-8219836/5-sektor-pekerjaan-yang-paling-banyak-jadi-sasaran-penipuan-di-ri

³

Source 3

https://finance.detik.com/berita-ekonomi-bisnis/d-8219789/ini-modus-penipuan-lowongan-yang-jerat-banyak-pencari-kerja-ri

.

Most Targeted Industries

The job scam attempts are particularly concentrated in certain industries. The most affected sectors include:

• Administration & Office Support: 39.36% of job postings in this sector were found to be fraudulent ¹
  Source 1

  https://finance.detik.com/berita-ekonomi-bisnis/d-8219836/5-sektor-pekerjaan-yang-paling-banyak-jadi-sasaran-penipuan-di-ri
  .
• Manufacturing, Transportation & Logistics: 21.06% of job postings were scams ¹
  Source 1

  https://finance.detik.com/berita-ekonomi-bisnis/d-8219836/5-sektor-pekerjaan-yang-paling-banyak-jadi-sasaran-penipuan-di-ri
  .
• Retail & Consumer Products: 12.23% of job postings were identified as fraudulent ¹
  Source 1

  https://finance.detik.com/berita-ekonomi-bisnis/d-8219836/5-sektor-pekerjaan-yang-paling-banyak-jadi-sasaran-penipuan-di-ri
  .

Sophisticated Scamming Techniques

Scammers are employing increasingly sophisticated methods to deceive job seekers. These include:

1. Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to create more convincing scam communications ²
   Source 2

   https://finance.detik.com/berita-ekonomi-bisnis/d-8219753/jobstreet-sebut-ri-jadi-pusat-penipuan-lowongan-kerja-terbesar-di-asia
   .
2. Impersonating legitimate recruitment platforms like Jobstreet through various messaging apps and social media channels ²
   Source 2

   https://finance.detik.com/berita-ekonomi-bisnis/d-8219753/jobstreet-sebut-ri-jadi-pusat-penipuan-lowongan-kerja-terbesar-di-asia
   .
3. Offering initial small commissions to build trust before requesting deposits or further payments ²
   Source 2

   https://finance.detik.com/berita-ekonomi-bisnis/d-8219753/jobstreet-sebut-ri-jadi-pusat-penipuan-lowongan-kerja-terbesar-di-asia
   .

Evolution of Job Scams

The job scams have evolved beyond mere financial fraud. According to Willem Najoan, Operations Director Indonesia Jobstreet by SEEK, "These scams have become an entry point for organized crime such as human trafficking" ¹

. This development underscores the serious security risks associated with job scams.

Regional Comparison

The situation in Indonesia is particularly alarming when compared to other countries in the region. The percentage of fraudulent job postings in administration & office support in Asia is 29%, significantly higher than the 17% observed in Australia and New Zealand ³

.

Expert Insights

Tom Rhind, Head of Trust & Safety at SEEK, noted that scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated in targeting different markets ³

. They tailor their approaches to specific job types and industries where job seekers are most vulnerable.