Assemblyman Sobyeongcheol: Approximately 1.9 Trillion Won in Voice Phishing Crime Damages Over 5 Years

Number of Incidents Doubled Over 3 Years,
Assemblyman So Calls for Dedicated Investigation Team and Enhanced International Cooperation

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Hyung-kwon] Since the first report of voice phishing crime damage in 2006, the number of voice phishing damage cases has increased every year over the past 14 years, and the amount of damage has reached astronomical figures, raising urgent calls for effective countermeasures.

According to an analysis of data submitted by the National Police Agency by Assemblyman So Byung-chul (Suncheon-Gwangyang-Gokseong-Gurye Gap, Judiciary Committee) of the Democratic Party of Korea, the number of voice phishing damage cases has increased every year since 2016, rising from 17,040 cases in 2016 to 37,667 cases last year, more than doubling. The amount of damage also increased more than fourfold over three years, from 146.8 billion won in 2016 to 639.8 billion won last year.

From 2016 to August of this year, the total amount of damage reached approximately 1.9 trillion won over 4 years and 8 months.

Voice phishing is classified into loan fraud type and impersonation of institutions type according to the criminal method, with loan fraud type accounting for an overwhelming majority of 79% on average over 5 years.

Among the impersonation of institutions type, crimes impersonating the prosecution accounted for a large proportion, averaging 82% over 3 years.

The National Assembly Legislative Research Office proposed in a current affairs report published in 2009 that to improve countermeasures against voice phishing, it is necessary to establish a cooperative system among related agencies such as the police, prosecution, Financial Supervisory Service, and Korea Communications Commission, and to activate international joint investigations.

Although related agencies such as the Financial Supervisory Service and the National Police Agency have been preparing various countermeasures since 2007, the number of voice phishing damage cases and the amount of damage have not decreased significantly.

Assemblyman So Byung-chul said, “Recently, forged official documents bearing even the prosecutor general’s seal have appeared, and voice phishing cases have occurred where fake prosecutor’s offices are set up and scammers impersonate prosecutors through video calls to steal victims’ money. The methods are becoming increasingly sophisticated and meticulous, leaving our citizens defenseless.” He added, “Related agencies such as the prosecution and police should jointly establish a dedicated voice phishing investigation unit, further activate international joint investigations, strengthen crackdowns, and increase arrest rates.”

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