[Exclusive] "Deposit 8 Million Won for Fire Extinguisher"... Wando Hit by 'Firefighter Impersonation' Phone Scam

"If You Don’t Have an Expensive Fire Extinguisher, You’ll Be Heavily Fined"
Restaurant Owners Threatened, 4.3 Million Won Stolen, Scammer Disappears
Completely Helpless Against Busy Hours and Forged Official Documents Bearing the Governor’s Seal
Fire Headquarters: "Official Fire Inspections Are Notified by Mail... Always Confirm With Your Local Fire Station"

The telephone scam (voice phishing) involving impersonation of firefighters, which has been sweeping across the entire Jeollanam-do Province, has finally resulted in actual financial damage in Wando as well. This malicious crime exploits the desperate psychology of restaurant owners and their trust in government offices, making it urgent for authorities to take swift action to prevent further losses.

According to coverage by The Asia Business Daily on the 19th, on May 18, a female restaurant owner, referred to as Ms. B, operating in Wando-eup, Wando-gun, fell victim to a meticulously orchestrated scam in which the perpetrator impersonated a firefighter, resulting in her losing a total of 4.3 million won.

The exterior of a restaurant in Wando-eup, Wando-gun, where actual damage occurred from voice phishing impersonating a firefighter. Photo by Lee Jungyeong

The scammer’s tactics were both bold and persistent. They demanded a total payment of 8 million won, citing unfamiliar equipment described as a "lithium and distribution panel micro-space fire extinguisher."

When Ms. B was only able to transfer 4.3 million won due to her bank’s transfer limit, the impersonator tightened the trap, insisting, "You must transfer the remaining 3.7 million won tomorrow without fail." The threat that she would be fined 5 million won if she did not immediately purchase the equipment paralyzed her rational judgment.

Just hours earlier, news had spread that a restaurant owner in Gunoe-myeon, Wando-gun, had cleverly thwarted a voice phishing attempt and prevented losses in the 4 million won range. However, a real victim emerged in the heart of Wando-eup soon after, sending local businesses into panic.

A Surprise Attack During Lunch Hour, Helpless in the Face of a Perfectly Forged Official Document

The crime was timed to coincide with the busiest lunch hour at the restaurant. Taking advantage of the owner’s hectic schedule, the scammer called, claiming to be an official from the fire authorities, and pressured her by saying, "An inspection will be carried out this afternoon. If you don’t have a high-priced fire extinguisher, you will be fined 5 million won immediately."

What completely broke down the owner’s suspicions was a photo sent to her smartphone. It was a forged official document with the seal of the "Governor of Jeollanam-do Province" clearly visible. Small business owners were defenseless against a scam that brazenly presented what appeared to be an official government document.

Furthermore, the scammers added a sweet lie, saying, "If you pay the amount in advance, you will be fully reimbursed later with government support." This double-layered psychological tactic first induces confusion and fear with the threat of a fine, then offers the promise of a refund to lure the victim into transferring money.

The official letter sent by the fraudulent organization bears the official seal in the name of the Governor of Jeollanam-do, along with wording urging the purchase of high-priced fire extinguishers. Photo by Joonkyung Lee

In reality, general restaurant kitchens are only required to have a "K-class fire extinguisher," which costs around 40,000 won. However, the scammers inflated this by more than 100 times, disguising it as equipment costing 4 million won. Ms. B ultimately transferred her hard-earned money to an account designated by the impersonator.

The Scammer Disappeared Without a Trace... "Account Freeze Is the Last Lifeline"

Currently, the Jeollanam-do Fire Headquarters is responding urgently by working with the province’s 22 fire stations to distribute prevention notices to merchant associations and multi-use business operators.

An official from the Wando Fire Station emphasized, "A formal fire inspection is always preceded by administrative procedures and an official letter sent by mail. The fire station or provincial office will never pressure you to purchase specific products by phone, nor threaten fines on the spot. The moment money is mentioned, you should regard it as a scam, hang up immediately, and contact 119 or your local fire station directly to verify."

Experts advise that, for victims who have been asked to make additional payments like Ms. B, it is crucial to contact the police (112) or the relevant financial institution without delay before banking hours begin the next day to request an "account freeze." This is the only way to prevent further losses and to freeze the amount already transferred.

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