Indonesia love‑scam rings expose victims, from celebrity ex‑wife to elderly women

Indonesian police have named former actress Fabiola Elizabeth Agnes, the ex‑wife of singer Reza Smash, as a suspect in an international live‑scam network based in Solo Baru, Sukoharjo. The operation used video‑call models to lure victims into fake crypto investments, reportedly earning about Rp 41 billion from at least 133 victims between July 2025 and May 2026. Authorities cited several cyber‑crime and fraud statutes, and Reza Smash declined to comment when approached.

A separate social‑media post sparked public alarm after a user shared a bus conversation that appeared to be a “love scam” involving an elderly woman. The woman allegedly transferred money to an unknown contact, avoided her husband’s attempts to view her phone, and later deleted the messages. Netizens warned that senior citizens, especially those living alone, are increasingly targeted by online romance fraud, urging families to monitor older relatives.

Both incidents highlight a growing concern over love‑scam schemes in Indonesia, ranging from organized crypto fraud rings to opportunistic individual operators.