Beware of Clicking Chuseok Text Message URLs...Malicious Apps May Be Installed

COVID-19 Emergency Disaster Relief Fund Scam
Clicking Connects to Malicious App...Stealing Financial Information

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] "This is an announcement regarding the 2nd COVID-19 Emergency Disaster Relief Fund. Please click the URL." "You have won a Chuseok gift event and we will send you a gift via courier. Please check the URL below."

Even if you receive such text messages, it is best not to click if the address is unverified.

On the 30th, the Korea Communications Commission warned that smishing scams impersonating Chuseok courier delivery confirmations, COVID-related emergency disaster relief payments, and approvals are expected to increase ahead of the Chuseok holiday, urging users to be cautious.

Smishing is a combination of SMS (Short Message Service) and phishing. It is a method where malicious app URLs are sent in bulk via text messages, prompting users to install malicious apps or make calls, thereby stealing financial information.

The government provided precautions to prevent smishing fraud damage.

First, do not click on internet addresses (URLs) in texts related to courier tracking, holiday greetings, mobile gift certificates, transportation tickets, or performance tickets if the source is unverified. Strengthen your smartphone’s security settings to prevent apps from being installed without permission, and when downloading apps, avoid downloading from URLs of unknown origin and instead download and install apps through authorized app markets.

Additionally, install and update antivirus programs provided by mobile carriers, and maintain real-time monitoring. Never enter or disclose personal or financial information when requested under the pretext of security enhancement or updates. Especially, emergency disaster relief fund notification texts do not include URL links, so do not click on any internet addresses in the message and delete them immediately. If you receive suspicious smishing texts or suspect malicious app infections during the holiday, you can contact the 118 Counseling Center without an area code for free 24-hour consultation.

As of August this year, the number of detected smishing cases has exceeded 700,000, a 378% increase compared to the same period last year. In particular, over 10,000 smishing cases impersonating COVID-related emergency disaster relief funds have been detected.

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