"If a URL Appears in High Oil Price Relief Fund Texts, It's 100% a Scam"

Government Issues Preemptive Smishing Alert
Prevention Messages Sent by Telecom Providers, Immediate Investigation System Activated

As applications and payments for high oil price relief funds approach, the government has taken proactive measures to block text message payment fraud (smishing) impersonating the relief fund. The government emphasized that if a notification about the relief fund, whether via text message or social networking service (SNS), contains an internet address (URL) or link, it is 100% a scam and urged people not to click on such links.

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The government issued a special warning, anticipating a sharp increase in smishing attacks that impersonate notifications about eligibility for the high oil price relief fund, card approval, or online applications. In fact, during the distribution of consumer coupons for economic recovery last year, there were 430 detected smishing attempts seeking to lure users to illegal gambling sites, install malicious apps, or steal personal information.

Accordingly, the government, credit card companies, and local currency operators have decided not to provide any URLs in text messages, banner links, or app push notifications related to the relief fund application. This is because simply clicking a link in a text message could result in the installation of malicious apps and the leakage of financial information.

"Do Not Click Links, Verify by Calling 118"... Protecting the Digitally Vulnerable

Smishing Damage Prevention and Response Guidelines Notice

The government is actively utilizing the advance notification service provided by the National Secretary and recommends immediately deleting notifications containing unclear senders or links. The authenticity of a suspected smishing attempt can be checked through the 'Smishing Verification Service' of KISA's Boho Nara or by calling the 118 counseling center.

If damage has already occurred or if infection by a malicious app is suspected, individuals should immediately report to the National Police Agency’s Integrated Response Center for Telecommunication Financial Fraud at 1394.

In particular, the government is focusing on protecting the digitally vulnerable. In addition to including smishing warning messages on online non-face-to-face application pages, special cautionary information will also be provided during in-person application processes at bank counters and administrative welfare centers, especially for the elderly.

Since April 10, the government has been sequentially sending out smishing prevention messages under the names of each telecommunications carrier, and a prompt response system is in operation. This system strengthens monitoring in cooperation with the police, the Financial Supervisory Service, and KISA, and launches investigations immediately upon the receipt of damage reports.

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