IPB University Students Study the Problem of Fictitious Transactions in Online Loan Applications

The development of financial technology (fintech) companies can make it easier for people to access various financial services. However, this convenience turns out to have the opportunity to be misused, such as fictitious transactions that harm many people.

This was studied by IPB University students consisting of Amanda Pramesty Putri, Hurul Aini Zahara, Rahadiyanto Tri Wibowo, and Siril Fuad. They were assisted by Dr Yusalina through the Student Creativity Program for Social and Humanities Research (PKM-RSH) which examines the phenomenon of fictitious transactions in online loan applications in the search for student event funds.

Amanda, as the team leader, said that this research study was carried out because of the problems that arise when students raise funds for an event, but become victims of harmful fraud. “In the third quarter of 2022, there were many student committees that needed funds in a short time. As an alternative, students joined a project to buy electronic goods which turned out to be a scam,” explained Amanda, a student of IPB University.

Furthermore, Amanda said that the fraudulent fictitious transaction scheme was carried out by purchasing on a certain marketplace account and was promised a return of funds and a commission of 10 percent. To support this project, students were asked to apply for online loans through four different platforms. With the ease and short time offered to get funds, many students eventually fell victim to this fraud, with the perpetrators disappearing and not a penny of funds returned.

The research conducted by IPB University students involved 40 respondents who filled out questionnaires. From the survey, it was found that the victims were dominated by female students as much as 57.5 percent, while the rest were male. The research also revealed that many victims experienced social and psychological pressure due to pressure from various parties and increased stress.

“To overcome this problem so that there are not more victims, it is necessary to hold financial literacy socialization and collaboration of various authorities to spread the dangers of fictitious transactions with various modes,” concluded Amanda. (IAAS/ANF)