Bank Central Asia Addresses Cryptocurrency Scam Claims

Bank Central Asia (BCA) has found itself at the center of a troubling cryptocurrency scam that preyed on hopeful investors. According to a Tempo.co report, scammers leveraged social media platforms like WhatsApp to lure victims, directing them to transfer funds into BCA accounts as part of a fraudulent scheme. One victim, a 63-year-old retiree, shared a heartbreaking story of losing $20,000 (Rp330 million)—her and her husbands retirement nest egg—to the scam.

The scammers‘ tactics were cunning. Posing as a credible figure named “Professor AS,” they promoted a fake cryptocurrency investment group through the JYPRX platform, providing BCA and BRI account details for payments. To hook victims, they dangled an initial bonus in USDT stablecoin and permitted small withdrawals, building a façade of legitimacy. But the trap soon snapped shut: accounts were frozen under the pretense of an “investigation,” and victims were pressured to return bonuses and buy a new coin. Even after complying, the retiree’s funds remained locked away.

BCAs EVP of Corporate Communication & Social Responsibility, Hera F. Haryn, addressed the issue in a statement to Tempo.co. “BCA consistently backs law enforcement initiatives and remains open to coordinating with relevant authorities,” she said. She urged customers to stay vigilant, adding, “We encourage customers to remain cautious of various fraudulent tactics and to never disclose their banking information.”

This incident follows a broader crackdown on online fraud. On March 19, Jakarta‘s cybercrime director announced the takedown of a network peddling fake stock and cryptocurrency opportunities, which had swindled around 90 victims out of $90,000 (Rp105 billion). For the retiree and others, the losses sting deeply—years of savings vanished in a digital mirage. BCA’s response signals a commitment to fighting fraud, but its a stark reminder of the risks lurking in the crypto world. As authorities dig deeper, the hope is for justice and stronger safeguards to shield investors from such predatory schemes.