Guro Police Station Reports 5.8 Billion KRW Decrease in Voice Phishing Losses Over One Year

Last Year, 262 Suspects Arrested
Distribution of Prevention Newsletters and Analysis of Suspect Behavior Characteristics

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Seoyul] The Guro Police Station in Seoul announced on the 9th that the amount of damage caused by voice phishing last year was 5.568 billion won, which is about 5.8 billion won less than the previous year.

Last year, the number of voice phishing fraud cases in the jurisdiction was 256, and the damage amount was 5.568 billion won, showing a decrease of 25.4% and 51.1%, respectively, compared to the previous year.

The police explained that the amount of damage decreased significantly, far exceeding the overall reduction rate in Seoul (18.7%). A total of 262 suspects were arrested, an increase of 14.4% compared to the previous year (229 people).

The police attributed the reduction in damage to cooperation with financial institutions and multifaceted prevention and publicity activities targeting the latest crime methods.

Since July last year, the police have been promoting a "Full-scale Response to Eradicate Telephone Financial Fraud," with police officers from local precincts and police boxes visiting financial institutions in the jurisdiction weekly to distribute newsletters on preventing telephone financial fraud. As a result of the publicity, reports of suspected telephone financial fraud at financial institutions such as banks and post offices reportedly more than doubled.

In addition, promotional materials containing the behavioral characteristics of suspects were distributed to taxi companies frequently used by cash collectors and couriers, and crime prevention promotional videos were broadcast in markets and baseball stadiums where many citizens gather.

Kim Hancheol, chief of the Guro Police Station, said, "Thanks to the active participation of financial institutions and citizens, we were able to prevent damage and arrest many criminals," adding, "We will continue to respond strictly to voice phishing scams that threaten citizens' livelihoods."

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