"Rapid Payment of 2nd Disaster Relief Fund" Smishing Damage Concerns... Police Urge Caution

Delete Suspicious Messages Immediately
Do Not Click on Internet Links

Smishing text example. / Provided by the National Police Agency

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] As the 4th supplementary budget bill passed the National Assembly the day before, the police have issued a special warning as 'smishing' scams disguised as text messages guiding the application for the 2nd disaster relief fund are expected to surge.

On the 23rd, the National Police Agency warned, "Clicking on the internet address included in smishing text messages can install malware on smartphones, leading to small payments without the victim's knowledge or theft of personal and financial information."

The police explained that during the first emergency disaster relief fund distribution period in the first half of this year, smishing messages such as 'Emergency Disaster Relief Fund Inquiry and Guidance' were sent, resulting in cases of small payment damages.

In particular, the police anticipate that similar cases may occur this time as well. It has been confirmed that smishing messages impersonating the National Tax Service are being circulated, containing unknown internet addresses (URLs) along with messages like 'Immediate Confirmation of 2nd Disaster Relief Fund Rapid Payment.'

To prevent smishing damage, suspicious messages should be deleted immediately. Legitimate disaster relief fund guidance messages do not include links. When receiving messages from unknown senders, URLs and attachments should not be clicked, and even messages from acquaintances should be verified beforehand. It is also advisable to follow essential security measures, such as updating smartphone antivirus software to the latest version.

A National Police Agency official stated, "To prepare against smishing crimes, we will strengthen monitoring in collaboration with the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA) and designate local police cyber investigation units as responsible investigative offices for strict investigations," adding, "If you suffer damage, please report it through the 'Cyber Crime Reporting and Counseling System (eCRM)."

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