Warning Issued for Smishing and Voice Phishing Targeting COVID-19 Support Funds

Seoul City Reports Increase in Electronic Financial Scams Impersonating Disaster Relief Funds and Small Business Loans
Report Immediately to 112, 1332, or 118 if Infection Suspected

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] As emergency disaster relief funds related to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) provided by the government and local governments are being distributed, and cash support for small business owners and freelancers has begun, various electronic financial frauds such as smishing and voice phishing targeting these funds are increasing, prompting the Seoul Metropolitan Government to urge citizens to be especially cautious.

According to Seoul City on the 15th, the typical smishing damage pattern involves sending a text message with an internet address (URL) where the recipient can apply for the support fund or check the application result, inducing them to click. Clicking this link installs malware that either causes small payments or steals personal and financial information stored on the phone.

Recently, as low-interest loans and financial support for small business owners have increased, financial frauds claiming to convert existing loans into low-interest loans have also appeared. The city explained that after inducing phone consultations using previously stolen personal information, fraudsters steal financial information under the pretext of checking credit ratings, and even impersonate financial institution employees to propose face-to-face meetings, then extort money through threats after direct contact.

According to the Incheon Main Customs Office, the number of cases of smuggling voice phishing devices detected was only 2 from last year until March of this year, but 27 cases were detected in about two and a half months after April. Customs officials analyze that these are also related to smishing targeting COVID-19 relief funds.

Seoul City emphasized that to prevent smishing, one should never click on messages containing URLs from unknown sources. Regarding COVID-19 relief funds, public institutions, local governments, or financial institutions do not send text messages that induce clicking on internet links or installing apps.

The city also added that if you receive even slightly suspicious text messages, do not respond to calls or texts and delete them immediately. Even if you receive a consultation call, you should not comply if asked for personal information or account numbers.

Kwon Tae-gyu, Seoul City’s Fair Economy Officer, said, "If you suspect smishing messages about support fund inquiries, arrival notifications, low-interest loan guidance, or receive spam messages from unknown sources causing malware infections, please report immediately to 112 (Police Agency), 1332 (Financial Supervisory Service), or 118 (Illegal Spam Reporting Center)." He urged, "Always make it a habit to use smartphone antivirus programs and strengthen smartphone security to prevent electronic financial fraud."

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