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| Venus Kusumawardana provides material on avoiding fraudulent investments (Photo: Istimewah) |
Investment activities are currently booming, and the community carries out many. Unfortunately, most of them do not have the literacy and in-depth knowledge of investment, so they are easily trapped by fraudulent investments. Seeing this reality, University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) Lecturer Venus Kusumawardana, S.E., MM., moved to provide tips so that people can avoid this.
Venus, her nickname, explained that two things need to be considered in choosing a safe and profitable investment. The first thing is logical, namely how we can think logically regarding returns and the investment mechanism. Then the second is legal, which is to see how the licensing status of the investment company that offers it is. Has the company obtained permission from the authority that oversees it, the Financial Services Authority (OJK), and the Commodity Futures Trading Supervisory Agency (CoFTRA).
“These two things are important because they will determine how safe our investment is. It is possible that the company that offers it is operating illegally. In addition, new investors often hope that their investment can get high returns in a short time. It is possible, but the risk is also high. On the other hand, if the return is low, the risk is usually low,” he said.
Furthermore, the native Situbondo lecturer said an easy way to identify fraudulent investments. Most will provide additional high profits and emphasize looking for downline friends. In addition, the testimonies given were also introduced by public figures to increase their attractiveness. The promise of ease of withdrawing the invested assets is often a tool to attract new investors.
There are some tips that Venus also shares so as not to fall into this type of fraud. The first is to be careful if there are investment offers that lure profits and promise high returns above the market average in a short period. Second, it is hoped that the public will not be easily swayed by the persuasion of sellers who force them to buy, even if they are relatives or friends. Third, fraudulent investment companies will usually present a professional-looking company profile hoping that the public can be sure of its credibility.
"However, if we look more closely, there are several irregularities such as the lack of clarity in the management of the board, financial reports, and investment performance. The last thing is to see whether there is an investment offer permit from the government supervisory agency," he added.
According to him, fraudulent practices under the guise of investment will thrive if people are still lazy to think critically and logically, especially with the lack of public insight and knowledge of the types of investments. It was coupled with the mental and work ethic that wants to get rich suddenly without working hard. So it is necessary to have an introduction and education related to the types and steps of investment.
"Fortunately, the Management Organization (OTK) of the Investment Gallery of the Indonesian Stock Exchange (BEI) FEB UMM also has a program to provide education and capital market literacy for all people. The hope is that this effort can minimize victims of fraudulent investment fraud. I also want to warn the public to think logically and legally to avoid this kind of investment," concluded Venus. (cdr/wil)
