Tribratanews.polri.go.id- Surabaya. East Java Regional Police continue to monitor fraud convalescent plasma donor. This monitoring follows a report from Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) in East Java regarding people committing fraud related to convalescent plasma donor in Sidoarjo. Fraud is becoming more and more common when the need for convalescent plasma increases along with the increase number of Covid-19 positive cases.
Director of Special Crimes of East Java Regional Police, Police Grand Commissioner Farman said his party would conduct surveillance through social media. This surveillance is carried out through cyber patrols. "We from Directorate of Special Crimes of East Java Regional Police will monitor this fraud. One of them is by conducting cyber patrols on social media," Director of Special Crimes of East Java Regional Police said, Thursday (07/29/2021).
Families of Covid-19 patients who need convalescent plasma often make announcements if they need donors with number of qualifications. This announcement is spread through social media or number of messaging applications. The announcement also mentions patient's family number that can be contacted.
"This patient's family number (spread on social media) is usually contacted by fraudsters. These fraudsters take advantage of this family number through social media, contact them and offer convalescent plasma," he said.
Director of Special Crimes of East Java Regional Police hopes public can actively report to the police if they encounter this fraudulent mode. Farman also asked public not to easily believe if there are parties who want to help donating convalescent plasma, but asked for fantastic amount of money.
"Public should be careful if a donor asks for sum of money and report it if they encounter this fraudulent mode," Director of Special Crimes of East Java Regional Police explained.
Previously, PMI East Java received report of convalescent plasma fraud in Sidoarjo. People who need convalescent plasma are asked to transfer money. However, after the money was sent, the donor did not show up.
Secretary of PMI East Java, Edi Purwinarto advised people who need convalescent plasma to directly contact PMI UDD. "Don't contact directly with potential donors," he urged.
"Sorry, recently there was information that it turned out be for business purpose. This is what might deviate from the humanitarian mission. We received information, there was fraud that [people have to] transfer [amount of money] and then there were no donors. I hope people in need go through the hospital to UDD (Unit Dose Dispensing), to be safe," Director of Special Crimes of East Java Regional Police said.
Director of Special Crimes of East Java Regional Police also admitted there is message containing brochure offering convalescent plasma. The price offered is fantastic, which is IDR 20 million.
The fraud mode related to convalescent plasma, Director of Special Crimes of East Java Regional Police said, usually fraudsters use social media. Because, at this time many who need convalescent plasma tell stories on social media. This is also an opportunity for scammers.
"Yes, there was a donor fraud. After being transferred, apparently there was no donor. We know now there are a lot of people announce it through social media. The irresponsible parties then use this situation," he explained
