Ramadan 2026 has seen a significant rise in cyber scams, with criminal actors exploiting the festive season to target unsuspecting individuals. Globally recognized cybersecurity firm Kaspersky has revealed several common scam tactics and shared practical advice to help users protect themselves during this challenging period.
The holy month of Ramadan is synonymous in Indonesia with increased shopping activities, especially through digital platforms offering attractive promotions and discounts. While consumers eagerly pursue these deals, scammers capitalize on the situation by launching sophisticated fraud campaigns. Kaspersky noted that these scams often impersonate well-known brands and companies to gain victims’ trust.
One common method involves sending fake promotional links through messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. Recipients are enticed to enter their phone numbers promising prizes or discounts. Victims are then urged to forward the same links to their contacts, enabling the scam to spread quickly through social networks. This “chain reaction” tactic amplifies the reach and effectiveness of the fraud.
Kaspersky Indonesia’s Country Manager, Defi Nofitra, emphasized that such schemes are not new but have become more advanced. Fraudsters now leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to craft highly personalized phishing attacks. These AI-driven scams are much harder to detect and fool even cautious users. “During major celebrations like Ramadan, cybercriminals increase activity and sophistication,” Nofitra said.
Statistics underline the scale of the problem. In 2025, Kaspersky blocked over 14.9 million web-based cyber threats in Indonesia alone. This means roughly 25% of internet users in the country encountered online dangers last year. Supporting this, the Financial Services Authority (OJK) reported more than 13,000 fraud cases in just the first 10 days of Ramadan 2026, involving over 22,000 bank accounts. This marks a sharp increase compared to previous years.
Common Scam Tactics During Ramadan
- Impersonation of trusted companies with fake promotions.
- Distribution of phishing links via popular messaging platforms.
- Requests for personal data entries like phone numbers to validate “prizes.”
- Encouragement to share malicious links with social circles.
- Use of AI to enhance the realism and personalization of phishing messages.
Given these threats, experts urge digital users to adopt key safety measures to safeguard their data and finances.
Tips to Protect Yourself from Ramadan Scams
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Verify Sender Legitimacy – Always confirm the identity of senders before interacting with links or offers. When in doubt, visit the official website directly instead of clicking unknown links.
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Avoid Unofficial App Downloads – Only install applications from official app stores. Third-party apps can contain malware designed to steal sensitive information.
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Use Strong and Unique Passwords – Combine uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. Avoid reusing passwords across platforms.
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Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – This adds an extra security layer, making unauthorized access more difficult even if credentials are compromised.
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Limit Personal Information Sharing – Never disclose passwords, credit card numbers, or banking details via messages or phone calls with unknown contacts.
- Employ Reliable Security Software – Use reputable antivirus and cybersecurity tools that automatically detect and block threats before damage occurs.
In addition to raising awareness, Kaspersky has rolled out Ramadan-specific promotions for their security products, including discounts and GoPay Coins bonuses. These efforts are designed to encourage safer online behavior and increase digital security literacy during the high-risk festive period.
Kaspersky, established in 1997, currently protects over one billion devices worldwide. Their technology counters a wide array of cyber risks such as malware, ransomware, and targeted hacking attacks. Their presence in Indonesia plays a crucial role in defending users against evolving digital threats, particularly during vulnerable times like Ramadan.
Ramadan remains a time of blessing and togetherness. However, as digital interactions grow, so does exposure to sophisticated cybercrime. It is imperative to remain vigilant and prioritize data security. Maintaining awareness and implementing recommended security practices will significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to online scams during Ramadan 2026 and beyond.
Above all, before indulging in any Ramadan deals or offers, remember this key rule: safeguarding your personal data and privacy must always come first.
