PELATIHAN MITIGASI RISIKO KEUANGAN DIGITAL DAN PENCEGAHAN JERATAN PINJAMAN ONLINE ILEGAL

The Technological advancement in the financial sector have made it easier for the public to access a wide range of financial services. However, these development also brings the challenging, such as fraud, the misuse of personal information, and the risk of falling victim to illegal online lending. This community service initiative aims to strengthen digital financial literacy and enhance the public's ability to identify and avoid the dangers posed by illegal online loans. The program employs a participatory educational approach, incorporating presentations, discussions, simulations on evaluating loan offers, and guidance on personal data security. It targets the resident of Balikpapan city, specifically; homemakers, members of the Family Welfare Empowerment (PKK) organization, and local community members. The outcomes indicate that participants gained a better understanding of the characteristics that distinguish legal from illegal online loan, how to verify the status of service provider through official channel of the Financial Services Authority (OJK), and the effort to protect personal information. Participants also acquired knowledge on managing household finances and strategies for addressing issues related to illegal online loans. This initiative is expected to raise public awareness regarding the safe use of digital financial services, foster prudent financial decision-making, and to help maintaining of the economic stability of families.