Jakarta police arrest five for Fake BTS SMS fraud

Police in Jakarta have arrested five suspects involved in a fraudulent SMS scheme using ‘Fake BTS’ technology along the MRT Jakarta route from Bundaran HI to Blok M. The suspects used mobile signal transmitters installed in a vehicle to broadcast fake frequencies, allowing them to send fraudulent text messages to nearby mobile users. These messages contained links to fake websites and impersonated coffee shops, telecommunications providers, and banking institutions.

Authorities apprehended the suspects after noticing a suspicious vehicle circling the MRT route. The group included a driver, a technician who assembled the device, and individuals responsible for funding and content management. Seized evidence includes a vehicle, the Fake BTS equipment, mobile phones, and bank cards. Investigations are ongoing to determine if there are further connections to the network.