RADAR TULUNGAGUNG – A mother in Tulungagung has lost nearly Rp100 million (about $6,000) after falling victim to a job scam that promised employment at a well-known industrial firm, police said.

The victim, identified as Murni, 41, from Sanggrahan village in Boyolangu district, Tulungagung, was allegedly deceived by a suspect identified as LYA, 30, from Padangan, Bojonegoro. The suspect claimed she could secure a job for the victim’s child at PT Wilmar Gresik in exchange for a large payment.

According to Boyolangu police chief AKP Retno Pujiarsih, the suspect presented herself as a recruitment intermediary and demanded roughly Rp100 million, paid in installments via bank transfer and cash. “The suspect promised she could help place the victim’s child at PT Wilmar Gresik,” Retno said Tuesday.

The victim gradually transferred the requested funds. However, once the agreed recruitment timeline passed, the promised job never materialized. The suspect became difficult to contact, frequently changed residences, and eventually disappeared.

After realizing she had been defrauded, the victim reported the case to Boyolangu police. Investigators questioned witnesses, collected financial records, and tracked the suspect’s movements.

Police arrested the suspect and an associate on Monday morning while they were traveling along a main road in Boyolangu. Officers seized bank transfer receipts and a company uniform allegedly used to convince the victim of the scheme’s legitimacy.

The suspect is now in custody and undergoing further investigation under Indonesian law. Police again urged the public to remain cautious of job offers that require upfront payments.

“Make sure any recruitment information is clear and accountable,” Retno said. “Do not let the search for employment end in fraud.”