Beware of Lithium-Ion Fire Extinguisher Scam Impersonating Jeonbuk Fire Headquarters

There have been a series of scams impersonating the Jeonbuk Fire Headquarters and coercing individuals to purchase fire extinguishers, prompting a call for heightened vigilance.

On April 17, the Jeonbuk Provincial Fire Headquarters announced that incidents of impersonators posing as fire officials to pressure the purchase of fire safety equipment, or to steal money by claiming to offer subsidies, have been increasing.

Forgery of the fire department's official letter titled 'Instructions for Installing Lithium-Ion Fire Extinguishers.' Image provided by Jeonbuk Provincial Government

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According to recent reports, scammers call managers of hazardous materials facilities-such as gas stations-pretending to be fire station employees. They pressure these individuals by insisting, “You must install a lithium-ion fire extinguisher.” The scammers then designate a specific company and falsely claim, “If you purchase from this company, you can receive a subsidy from the Fire Headquarters,” thereby inducing payment.

Their methods are becoming increasingly sophisticated, such as forging official documents titled “Guidance on Installation of Lithium-Ion Fire Extinguishers” and sending them via text message. In Muju-gun, this scheme led to damages of about 38.5 million won, and the police are currently investigating the case.

The fire authorities stress that any purchase request not made through official procedures should be treated with suspicion.

Lee O-sook, Head of the Jeonbuk Provincial Fire Headquarters, stated, “Acts that exploit the trust in fire agencies to cause financial harm can never be tolerated,” and urged, “If you experience damage or encounter a suspicious situation, please report it immediately to 112 or your local fire station.”

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