Common scam patterns — Indonesia
Last updated:
Editorial notice
Patterns documented from public scam reports and provider feedback. New patterns emerge; report new ones to us via /contact.
- Bali-based 'volunteer' programs that are heavily tourist-oriented and produce limited local benefit.
- Orangutan and elephant programs that allow tourist contact — refuse (multiple documented unethical operators in Sumatra and Bali).
- Childcare and orphanage programs — Bali has been a documented orphanage-tourism case.
- 'Yoga retreat with volunteering' programs where the volunteering is incidental marketing.