Beware of Voice Phishing Impersonating Self-Test Kit Purchase Support

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Hwajeong] The Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) has issued a consumer alert warning of voice phishing scams exploiting public anxiety over the recent surge in COVID-19 Omicron variant cases by impersonating self-test kit purchase applications and support services.

According to the FSS on the 26th, scammers impersonate government agencies and self-test kit suppliers, sending text messages about self-test kit applications or related payment instructions. They trick victims into clicking malicious URLs under the pretext of applying for self-test kits or making payments, or induce fund transfers by citing purchase payments.

These scammers lure mainly pharmacy or convenience store owners who sell diagnostic kits by claiming special government-supported discounted supplies of self-test kits. They distribute fake official documents pretending to offer special supplies to diagnostic kit sellers and induce transfers of funds under the prepayment guise to scam accounts impersonating special supply companies.

They also entice consumers by claiming a limited opportunity to purchase more self-test kits at prices lower than market rates. By sending malicious URLs disguised as fake purchase sites, they induce installation of remote control apps to steal victims’ personal information and embezzle funds.

Additionally, after sending fake text messages stating that self-test kit payment has been approved, scammers deceive victims who inquire by claiming identity theft or involvement in crimes. They then impersonate police officers or others to call victims, demanding transfers to safe accounts or installing malicious apps to steal personal information and embezzle funds.

Ongoing scams also involve inducing victims to call back or click malicious URLs under the guise of applying for COVID-19 related policy support funds. Using text messages and messengers, scammers lure consumers by claiming eligibility for “Emergency Living Stabilization Funds,” “Quarantine Support Funds,” or “Mutual Consumption Support Funds.” They request personal information such as resident registration numbers, income, employment, and asset status, claiming it is necessary for accurate consultation. They then embezzle funds by demanding repayment of existing loans and immediate repayment of additional loans to improve credit scores for low-interest loans. Alternatively, they send malicious URLs claiming only non-face-to-face loans are possible due to COVID-19, inducing installation of remote control apps and embezzling funds through victims’ banking app access.

The FSS urges that if you receive such text messages or calls, do not click on any URLs included in the messages, delete them immediately, and do not reply or call back the sending number. They also emphasize avoiding answering unknown numbers if possible, and if you do answer, do not comply with suspicious requests and hang up immediately.

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