Relay of 'Mask Scams' Amid COVID-19 Spread... Police to Take Strict Action

Seoul Police Investigate 111 Mask Fraud Cases... "Safe to Buy at Pharmacies and Post Offices"

On the 10th, a public mask-related notice is posted at a pharmacy in Myeongdong, Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] As mask sales scams continue unabated amid the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), which has made masks an essential daily item, the police are also taking strong measures in response.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency announced on the 10th, "Sales scams exploiting public anxiety over mask supply are rampant," adding, "The police are strictly responding to acts that disrupt mask distribution order through online monitoring, on-site crackdowns in cooperation with related agencies such as the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, and other measures."

The Seoul Police are currently investigating a total of 111 cases of mask sales scams. So far, 26 people have been booked, and 2 have been arrested.

Mask sales scams mainly occur through internet cafes or social networking service (SNS) chat rooms, where scammers lure victims with fake listings and then steal money.

First, the Namdaemun Police Station in Seoul is investigating a complaint that a wholesaler in his 50s deceived victims by promising to supply 700,000 health masks and embezzled 415 million won.

The Yongsan Police Station in Seoul also arrested a suspect who received 110 million won by claiming via an online messenger that they would purchase 43,000 masks but did not send the masks.

Additionally, the Mapo Police Station in Seoul arrested a suspect who posted on an internet cafe that they were selling 100,000 KF94 masks for 150 million won and embezzled 22 million won. They are also investigating a case where masks that were not certified by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety were manufactured and sold on open markets such as Auction by falsely claiming certification.

A representative of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency emphasized, "Under the government's emergency supply adjustment measures, more than 80% of the total mask production is supplied through public sales channels," adding, "To avoid being scammed, it is advisable to purchase masks from public sales outlets such as pharmacies or post offices."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.