North Sumatra Police dismantle movie-watching online scam

The North Sumatra Regional Police Cyber Crime Directorate has uncovered an online scam in Medan that lured victims with promises of high bonuses for watching movie clips. The suspects, identified by the initials CMA and MM, were apprehended at a boarding house in the Medan Johor district.

The scheme began with paid advertisements on Facebook and Instagram using Meta Ads, offering subscription programs or missions to watch films for profit. Once victims clicked the ads, they were redirected to Telegram groups where they were instructed to complete tasks and make deposits.

As victims completed more tasks, they were convinced that their potential bonuses were increasing. However, when attempting to withdraw the funds, victims found they could not access their money. The perpetrators would then demand additional transfers under the pretext of increasing the balance to enable withdrawals. Authorities have also placed another suspect, BA, on a wanted list.