Voice Phishing Still 'Rampant' Despite COVID-19 Pandemic

Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency building exterior

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Chunsu] Amid the nationwide spread of COVID-19 and the ongoing battle against the virus, voice phishing crimes continue to run rampant, requiring special caution.

According to the Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency on the 8th, voice phishing crimes occurred in Yeongam and Mokpo the previous day, with one suspect apprehended and another currently being pursued.

The police reported that in Yeongam, Jeonnam, at 9:07 a.m. on the 7th, at a daycare center located in Yongang-ri, Samho-eup, suspect A (36, female) was deceived using the bait of a large debt refinancing loan and defrauded of 22,540,000 KRW in three installments. On the same day, suspect B (63), who came to extort an additional 20,000,000 KRW, was caught in the act at the scene.

Also, resident C in Mokpo, Jeonnam, received a call impersonating a prosecutor from the Special Investigation Division of the Prosecutor's Office at around 8 a.m. on the 7th.

The voice phishing suspect impersonating the prosecutor deceived C (48) by claiming that C’s bank account was being used for criminal activities and that money needed to be sent to the Financial Supervisory Service for investigation. It is reported that C met the suspect in Jeonju around 5 p.m. and handed over 140 million KRW in cash.

C realized the voice phishing scam late and reported it to the police by calling 112 at 9:11 p.m. that day.

The police who received the report are currently investigating the exact circumstances of the case.

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