TrustDecision has observed a rising trend within the Indonesian sector of a widely-used global social media platform, where fraudsters are creating fake accounts, building communities in the black market, and monetizing them. In response to a noticeable increase in fund deposits into creator accounts on this platform, we launched an initial investigation to uncover the details of these events.

This analysis made use of our Indonesian-language resources to examine the surrounding discussions, with the goal of identifying the causes and the individuals involved in this activity. We found significant interest in obtaining unauthorized access to platform coins and a large volume of transactions linked to the purchase of creator accounts.

Emerging Trend - Fraudulent Monetization on A Global Social Media Platform

We identified discussions surrounding various inauthentic methods on this global social media platform within different fraud-related sources. Much of this conversation focuses on exploiting various Techniques, Tactics, and Procedures (TTPs) to accumulate “coins“. The majority of these guides detail how to exploit legitimate methods for earning coins on this platform, like sharing referral codes or engaging with videos. These approaches have become widely recognized, portraying this app as an effective way to generate income and detailing methods for users to cash out through various payment services (DANA, OVO, and bank transactions). The promoters of these guides typically use them to share their own referral codes. Moreover, other guides offer different hacks and tools to misuse the platform's legitimate monetization features.

This involves:

• The creation and distribution of referral codes to set up inauthentic accounts on the platform;
• The application of the Auto Clicker APK to automate clicks on content, thereby increasing user revenue on the platform;
• The use of the Parallel Space APK, enabling users to run multiple instances of the app on the same device at once;
• The acquisition of the platform's coins at below-market prices from third-party sources.

The overarching goal of these guides is to aid users in gathering more coins on the platform, which are then converted into real currency.

Indonesia-Based Black Market of Creator Accounts

As part of the fraudulent monetization activities, we noticed a trend where users based in Indonesia are buying and selling creator accounts on this specific social media platform.

Fake account creation fuels the engine of online fraud, serving as a linchpin for activities ranging from promotion abuse to orchestrated chargeback schemes. This enables fraudsters to cloak their activities under the guise of legitimacy, manipulating systems designed to attract genuine users, which in turn causes significant financial loss and harms the reputation of companies, while also harming confidence in digital environments.

The involvement with these accounts, operated alongside a primary account, seems to enable users to liquidate the off-platform value of accumulated in-app items.

• This underground market is substantial, with dedicated instant messaging groups and discussions on mainstream social media platforms marketing these services extensively.
• The creator accounts offered for sale boast over 1000 followers and feature generic content. In certain instances, they include a shop feature on the platform.
  • The pricing for these accounts is negotiated privately via email and direct messaging, with sellers announcing only when a new account has been sold.
  • The accounts up for sale are not compromised; instead, they are farmed for the purpose of resale. They are crafted to give buyers an instant wide reach and high credibility without the need for organic engagement.

The sale of inauthentic farmed social media accounts is a global phenomenon. However, it appears to be particularly popular in the Indonesian online ecosystem. These accounts are sold by individual vendors that offer a wide range of accounts on designated marketplaces. They have multiple purposes, from bypassing the platform’s verification processes to conducting on-platform spam or misleading marketing efforts.

Telegram Group “JBA”

• The "JBA" group, found on Telegram in Indonesia, boasts over 7,400 members and functions as a black market dedicated to the sale of farmed social media accounts.
• It is a highly active group that has cultivated a reputation as a reliable community for its members. The group's administrator moderates all shared content, ensuring no spamming or disturbances occur.
• The accounts for sale in this group are often older, with a history and existing followers, making them more valuable.
• Pricing is determined by the account's history and the number of followers, ranging from 15 to 100 thousand rupiahs each. Some accounts are also available for bulk purchase. Transactions are finalized through private messages, using preferred payment methods, rather than directly within the Telegram group.
• Members frequently utilize the Rekening Bersama ("RekBer") for transactions, a third-party payment method acting as an escrow service to prevent fraud. Here, the buyer first sends payment to RekBer. Once confirmed, the seller dispatches the goods or completes the transfer. After the buyer confirms receipt to RekBer, the funds are then released to the seller.

Vendor Selling Fake Accounts Operating Cross-Platform

• The seller boasts a significant online footprint, spanning across various platforms including their own websites, and profiles on popular social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Issuu, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Telegram, TikTok, Twitter, WhatsApp, and YouTube. Their telephone number is linked to numerous online accounts.
• They offer for sale TikTok accounts with followers, setting prices according to the number of followers, which range from 1,000 to 50,000, with prices between $2.50 and $55.
• The seller markets these TikTok accounts as advantageous for businesses, asserting they are followed by real Indonesian accounts, not bots. These accounts are promoted as untouched by TikTok's moderation processes, ensuring their safety.
• They claim that these TikTok accounts can bolster online sales, enhance business branding, and convey an image of trustworthiness and reputation. Furthermore, these accounts are eligible for listing on a Shopee affiliate program, allowing sellers to earn cash rewards for every order completed through their unique Seller Affiliate link.

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In conclusion, the rise of social media fraud and the monetization in Indonesia highlight a complex challenge facing the digital ecosystem globally. From the creation and sale of inauthentic accounts to the exploitation of platform features for monetary gain, the ingenuity of fraudsters poses significant challenges to the integrity of online spaces.

In light of these findings, it is crucial for users, social media platforms, and regulatory bodies to remain vigilant, fostering collaboration to combat these fraudulent practices effectively. Platforms must enhance their detection and moderation capabilities, while users should cultivate a critical eye towards suspicious activities online. Meanwhile, regulators could consider setting more stringent guidelines around digital transactions and account verifications to protect consumers.

As TrustDecision continues to monitor these trends, our commitment to safeguarding digital environments against fraudulent monetization remains steadfast. By sharing insights and fostering awareness, we aim to contribute to a more secure, trustworthy digital future for all users.

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