"Forged Business Cards and Official Documents"... Guro District Urges Vigilance Against Public Official Impersonation Scams

Cases Reported Involving Impersonation of Departments Such as Architecture Division, with Financial Losses Occurring
"Notice on Public Official Impersonation" Distributed to Contract Companies
Official Contact Information Must Be Verified When Receiving Contract Proposals

Seoul's Guro District (District Mayor Jang Inhong) has strengthened its response system following a series of fraud attempts involving impersonation of district office employees. On December 11, the district announced that, as impersonation schemes have become more sophisticated and have resulted in financial losses, it has established and is implementing a "Public Official Impersonation Prevention Plan."

The impersonators approach victims by using forged official documents and business cards, pretending to be contract managers from the district office. They induce the purchase of goods such as electrical equipment, fire extinguishers, and books for public institutions, or introduce specific companies and prompt payment on their behalf. They also attempt financial fraud by offering insurance enrollment or bank consultations.

A forged business card suspected to have been used by a fraudster impersonating an employee of Guro District Office. The department name, phone number, and email address are printed to look authentic, so caution is required. Provided by Guro District Office.

The district explained that there have been recent reports of impersonation involving several departments, including the Finance Division, Architecture Division, and Culture and Tourism Division, with some cases resulting in actual financial losses. Some companies prevented damage by immediately verifying suspicious contacts with the district office.

The main methods include using the real names of actual employees, presenting forged business cards and official documents, building trust through small deliveries before inducing large payments, and proposing consultations with financial institutions. Other tactics involve demanding money under the pretense of private contracts or requesting quotations via mobile phone.

The district distributes a "Notice on Public Official Impersonation" when contracts are signed and operates an interdepartmental sharing system when impersonation cases occur. Prevention banners have been installed at intersections and subway stations near the district office, and awareness campaigns are being strengthened through text messages, social media, newsletters, and media boards.

The district emphasized that, when receiving contract proposals, official contact information should be verified through the "Department Information" section of the Guro District website. Guro District does not request quotations via business card transmission or personal contact details, does not induce purchases of goods, and does not demand money under the pretext of private contracts.

Suspicious cases should be reported to the police (dial 112) or to the Financial Supervisory Service's consumer portal "FINE." For more details, visit the Guro District website or contact the Finance Division at 02-860-2713.

Jang Inhong, Mayor of Guro District, stated, "As impersonation schemes are becoming increasingly sophisticated, both residents and contract companies need to exercise extra caution," adding, "The district will continue to closely collect impersonation cases and maintain strong promotional and preventive measures."

Impersonating a public official is punishable by up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 7 million won under Article 118 of the Criminal Act. Forging official documents is punishable by up to ten years in prison under Article 225 of the Criminal Act.

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