Have you ever been suddenly invited to a suspicious Telegram group? Be cautious, you might be a potential target for scams! Currently, there are numerous scams utilizing Telegram groups, falsely claiming association with various companies, including Traveloka.

For individuals not well-versed in internet education, falling for the invitation to these Telegram groups can be tempting. Moreover, the promised commissions are not trivial, ranging from cash rewards, to promises of cars, motorcycles, or even gold bars.

Understand how this modus operandi works and how to protect yourself. Simply follow the steps below to stay safe!

The scam involving paid mission frauds impersonating as Traveloka, is one of the scam types occurring on the Telegram app. So, how do scammers trap their victims?

The scammer collects essential data from the victims, including their phone numbers. Subsequently, without permission, these contact numbers are added to a Telegram group falsely claiming association with Traveloka.

The scammer provides daily updates about paid missions, promising monetary rewards or commissions to potential victims. These paid missions vary, ranging from surveys, games to installing specific applications.

Victims enticed by this scheme receive rewards in the form of a specific monetary amount or other gifts. The scammer then entices the victim to claim more rewards by paying or transferring a certain deposit.

Many victims have fallen for these paid missions. You could be the next victim, so stay vigilant!

1. Report the Telegram account

Telegram facilitates its users to report accounts that are potentially used for scams. As a user, you can actively participate in reporting these Telegram accounts. The easiest way, when you receive an unknown Telegram invitation, is to press the "Report Scam and Leave" button usually located at the top of the Telegram interface.

If the button is missing, you can "Open Group Profile," then click the "Three Dots" indicating more options and choose "Report."

Additionally, you can send an email to abuse@telegram.org. In the email, share screenshots of the alleged scam group or report the scam to the central Telegram authority via the @notoscam bot. The central Telegram team will follow up on the case you submit.

2. Leave the Telegram group containing the scam

The second step to address this is to leave the Telegram group you deem as a scam. This is to avoid continuously receiving potentially tempting updates. Also, remember to block the Telegram group.

3. Change Telegram privacy settings

To prevent being invited to scam groups like paid missions, you can start by changing the privacy and security settings of your Telegram account. Choose settings that allow you to be invited to Telegram groups only by contact numbers already saved on your phone. This is crucial to avoid similar incidents in the future, such as being invited by fake or scam Telegram accounts.

4. Disable Telegram notifications

Have you left the group but continuously re-entered by scammers? If you want to avoid the hassle, disable Telegram notifications. Touch the three dots at the top of the group, then choose to disable notifications forever.

5. Report to the official government channel

If you come across any suspicious online activities or become a victim of a scam, it's essential to report it promptly. You can do so by reaching out to the nearest police station or utilizing the following resources:

If you need to report suspicious links received via email/SMS, please contact us using the channels provided at the bottom.

6. Always increase awareness

To prevent a repeat of such incidents for you, always increase awareness wherever you are. Never trust any promises falsely claiming association with Traveloka. Therefore, you need to recognize the characteristics of scammers using phone numbers on Telegram.

7. Remind others

Try to alert your family, friends, or colleagues about scams falsely claiming association with Traveloka. Make sure your closest people do not become the next victims. You can also share information about this scam on social media to prevent others from falling victim.

These are some ways to deal with scams that may affect you through the Telegram app. Always #CheckAndReject suspicious information claiming to be from Traveloka. Get reliable information only through Traveloka's official channels. Click the https://www.traveloka.com/en-my/help for more assistance!

Join Traveloka Malaysia's official Telegram channel for the latest updates and travel deals: Traveloka Malaysia Official Telegram

Don't forget to follow Traveloka Malaysia on Instagram for more travel inspiration and exclusive promotions: @traveloka.my

Happy travels!