Holiday Delivery Smishing Warning: "Do Not Click Unverified URLs"

Ministry of Science and ICT, Financial Authorities, National Police Agency, etc.

Government ministries warned users on the 12th that smishing scams impersonating gift (parcel) delivery confirmations and national support fund notifications are expected to increase ahead of the Chuseok holiday. Above are smishing messages impersonating Chuseok holiday greetings, parcel delivery notices, and national support fund application information.

[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] "Dear OO, we are sending you a mobile gift certificate as a Chuseok holiday gift. Please check. "

Government ministries have warned that smishing scams impersonating gift (parcel) delivery confirmations and national support funds are expected to increase ahead of the Chuseok holiday, urging users to be cautious.

The Ministry of Science and ICT, Financial Services Commission, National Police Agency, Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA), Financial Supervisory Service, and other government agencies announced on the 12th that they will operate a joint response system against smishing crimes.

From January to August this year, the number of smishing reports (received) and blocks reached about 184,000 cases, a 74% decrease compared to the same period last year; however, smishing scams impersonating parcel delivery account for 93% of these cases. This indicates a high possibility of misuse during the Chuseok holiday period for gift deliveries.

To prevent smishing (voice phishing) fraud in advance, users should avoid clicking on internet addresses (URLs) or phone numbers in texts related to parcel tracking, holiday greetings, mobile gift certificates, transportation tickets, or performance tickets if the source is unverified.

Additionally, users should strengthen smartphone security settings to prevent unauthorized installation of unverified applications (apps), and when downloading apps, they should install them through authorized open markets rather than via links in text messages. It is also important to install antivirus programs, keep them updated, and maintain real-time monitoring. Users should never enter or disclose identification, personal information, or financial information when requested under the pretext of identity verification, disaster relief funds, or vaccine reservation inquiries.

The government plans to focus on smishing monitoring and strengthening cybercrime crackdowns through cooperation among related ministries.

The Ministry of Science and ICT and KISA will conduct 24-hour monitoring of smishing crimes during the Chuseok holiday period. They will analyze reported smishing information to promptly block malicious app distribution sites. In cooperation with the three major telecom companies, 'voice phishing warning messages' will be sequentially sent under each carrier's name.

The Financial Services Commission and Financial Supervisory Service will engage in preventive publicity and guidance in cooperation with the financial sector during the Chuseok holiday. The National Police Agency will provide prevention guidelines and damage alerts through its website and the mobile app 'CyberCop' and will strengthen cybercrime crackdowns to prevent smishing damage.

If you receive a suspicious smishing message or suspect infection by a malicious app during the holiday, you can report it to the 118 counseling center without an area code and receive free 24-hour consultation.

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