L. Dodot Patria Ary, Head of PNM's Corporate Secretariat, has repeatedly emphasized that PNM does not offer any online loan products, especially illegal ones. Instead, through the Mekaar program, PNM educates the public, particularly housewives and women in Indonesia, about financial literacy.

PNM, through its beneficiary groups, organizes weekly group meetings (PKM) that provide financial, intellectual and social capital. Mekaar's financing or loan products are then processed in groups.

In response to the widespread theft of personal data for illegal loan applications, Dodot advised the public to be more cautious in protecting their personal data. "Data breaches in illegal loan applications occur because these apps steal our personal data directly, often appearing as if 'permission' was given by the user," said Dodot.

Many people claim to be victims of illegal loan companies, stating they had never applied for such loans but suddenly received bills. The victims' personal data is suspected to have been stolen or misused by irresponsible parties to apply for loans. So, how can one protect their personal data from being used in illegal loan applications?

Dodot explained that illegal loan apps steal personal data by embedding spyware-like features in the applications installed by users. These features include requests for access to SMS, WhatsApp, locations and smartphone cameras. "Illegal loan apps request access upfront because they need a guarantee against defaulters," Dodot said.

With access to a user’s smartphone apps, illegal loan providers can identify who is applying for loans and have a guarantee for collection. Illegal loan apps can gain information on who borrowed, their contacts, who they text, who they WhatsApp and other forms of communication.

There are several ways to prevent personal data from being leaked and misused. First, never install illegal or unregistered loan apps on your smartphone.

“For Mekaar customers, we always remind them to use our financing so they can manage their finances well. With good management, they won't fall into illegal loan traps,” Dodot emphasized.

According to Dodot, the second piece of advice for the public is to avoid installing unofficial or unknown apps. The third tip is to always check the access permissions requested by an app and whether they match its function.

"For example, a game app asking for access to the camera or photo gallery has no relation," Dodot explained. "If an app you install requests irrelevant permissions to access your personal data, immediately cancel the installation," he continued.

For those who have already installed illegal loan apps or unofficial apps and have granted access to their personal data, Dodot instructed them to be more cautious and report any misuse of personal data to the Financial Services Authority (OJK).

Popular

Albanese basks in win, vows 'orderly' government

Anxiety, pride as Harvard digs in for Trump 'blitzkrieg'

Power begins to return after outage in Indonesia's Bali island