Low-Priced Motorcycle Scams Impersonating Indonesian Figures

Scams offering cheap motorcycles at suspiciously low prices, falsely using the names of prominent Indonesian figures, are circulating on social media. These hoaxes aim to trick consumers into contacting them via WhatsApp to obtain money and personal information. Figures like President Prabowo Subianto, Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka, and West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi are frequently impersonated. The scams often employ AI-edited videos and fabricated messages to create the illusion that these public figures are announcing genuine low-price motorcycle promotions. For instance, hoaxes using President Prabowo's name have advertised motorcycles for as low as Rp 600,000 (approximately $40 USD), directing potential victims to a WhatsApp number. Liputan6.com's fact-checking division has verified that these videos are AI-manipulated footage of past events and not official announcements. Similar scams involving Vice President Gibran and Governor Dedi Mulyadi, offering motorcycles for Rp 600,000 and Rp 400,000 respectively, have also been identified. These fraudulent schemes exploit consumers' desire for bargains, with social media facilitating the rapid spread of misinformation. Liputan6.com urges the public to exercise caution, avoid sharing personal information or money, and be vigilant against such deceptive offers. The media outlet has been actively engaged in fact-checking since 2018 and is a partner of the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN).