Fake Sponsored Job Posting Scam
This is actually an old case that went viral last year. While browsing Facebook, I frequently encountered sponsored job advertisements claiming to be from well-known companies — especially in mining, factory, and other blue-collar sectors — such as PT Epson, PT Unilever, PT Indofood, and other major corporations.
These ads direct applicants to register online by filling out personal information such as:
- Full name
- Address
- Phone number
- National ID number
- And other personal details
Unfortunately, many people do not realize that these advertisements are fake and are created purely for the scammer’s personal profit.
Disclaimer: This article is written for educational purposes only. I am not responsible for any misuse of the information provided.
Background
The scam typically works as follows:
- Scammers create a social media account impersonating a well-known company.
- They run sponsored job advertisements.
- Victims are directed to a Google Form to submit personal information.
- Victims are later contacted and informed they passed the first stage.
- They are invited to attend an in-person interview in the Greater Jakarta area (Jabodetabek).
Because many victims live outside the city, scammers then offer to “assist” with flight ticket bookings and promise reimbursement after the interview.
This is where the financial scam begins.
Fake Sponsored Job Posting
In this case, I followed the scam flow using fake data to understand their method.
After submitting the Google Form, the victim receives an email stating they passed the first selection stage and are invited for an in-person interview.
To confirm attendance, the victim must contact a phone number listed in the email.
Shortly afterward, the scammer calls and explains the “registration” and interview process at the supposed head office.
Since the victim is located far away, the scammer offers to arrange flight tickets.
Fake Flight Ticket Scheme
The scammer asks whether the victim will come alone or with a companion, claiming the information is needed for ticket booking.
I followed their instruction and sent a tracking link to see whether they would open it.
Because the victim is from outside the city, the scammer uses that situation to push the ticket purchase scheme.
The scammer sends screenshots of flight bookings under the victim’s name.
After sending the booking screenshots, the scammer provides payment instructions.
The victim is asked to transfer money to a Virtual Account (VA) number.
The VA number provided is actually a top-up Virtual Account for an e-wallet (Dana).
This means:
- The ticket is NOT being paid.
- The victim is simply topping up the scammer’s e-wallet balance.
The End
I did not proceed further because the scam pattern was already clear.
Most likely outcomes after payment:
- The scammer sends a fake edited ticket.
- Or the scammer disappears and becomes unreachable.
Conclusion
If you encounter suspicious job advertisements:
- Do NOT immediately trust them.
- Always verify through the official company website.
- Contact the company directly using official contact details.
- Never send money for recruitment processes.
- Legitimate companies do NOT charge applicants for interviews.
Do not blindly trust information found on the internet — especially sponsored advertisements.
If you have already become a victim, report it immediately to the relevant authorities so further action can be taken.
Hopefully this article helps raise awareness and prevents future victims.
