Magelang (25/07/2024) – Online fraud is a criminal practice that uses the internet or digital devices to manipulate or deceive others for personal gain. Given the pervasive nature of the internet in Indonesian society today, online fraud has become rampant, affecting many victims. Individuals with low digital literacy are easily ensnared by online scams. This issue was highlighted by a 2024 study conducted by APJII, reported on suara.com, revealing that Indonesians are particularly vulnerable to online fraud in 2024.

The residents of Genikan Village, Ngablak District, are not yet well-versed in the various types of online fraud and how to prevent them. According to local officials and community members, online scams often occur when residents receive messages purporting to be from official agencies or companies, announcing that they have won a prize. However, to claim the prize, recipients are required to make a substantial financial transaction to the sender.

Ainan, a community service student from the undergraduate Communication Science program at Universitas Diponegoro, urged the residents of Genikan Village, particularly those in Gedaman Hamlet, to enhance their digital literacy by understanding the different forms of online fraud and how to prevent them. In this initiative, Ainan collaborated with her teammates from the law department to discuss the legal foundations, protections for victims, and reporting mechanisms for those who fall prey to online fraud. The educational session was held at a resident’s home following the routine Yasinan event in the afternoon and was attended by all the men of Gedaman Hamlet. The presentation was conducted solemnly, with residents listening attentively while reading pamphlets distributed before the session began.

This educational effort aims to improve the digital literacy skills of Genikan Village residents. By disseminating information and knowledge about the forms of online fraud and prevention methods, the community is expected to become wiser and more cautious when using the internet and other digital devices.

Author: Ainan Fauziyah Husodo, Bachelor of Communication Science 2021, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences
Supervisor: Ardiaz Ajie Aryandika S.Kom., MBA
Community Service Location: Genikan Village, Ngablak District, Magelang Regency