"Phishing Scams Impersonating Democratic Party Rampant... South Jeolla Chapter Urges Small Business Owners and Residents to Stay Alert"

As the 9th nationwide local elections approach, a wave of phishing and "no-show scams" impersonating officials or candidates from the Democratic Party of Korea has swept across the country, putting local communities on high alert. The Democratic Party's South Jeolla Province Chapter (hereafter referred to as the South Jeolla Chapter) has urged the public to always verify the authenticity of any mass orders or appointment-related text messages they receive.

According to the South Jeolla Chapter on May 11, a series of impersonation crimes have recently occurred nationwide. In these schemes, perpetrators introduce themselves as Democratic Party officials, place large orders for items such as group uniforms, banners, business cards, and promotional materials, then disappear, or attempt to induce companies to purchase items from specific vendors.

The spread of fraudulent text messages that falsely claim committee appointments or invitations to participate in election organizations is also on the rise.

In one actual case in Daejeon, someone falsely claimed to be the "Head of Public Relations at the Democratic Party's Daejeon City Chapter" and ordered 100 group T-shirts from a local company. The company, sensing something suspicious, directly contacted the city chapter to confirm, preventing any actual damage.

During the previous presidential election, a similar scam occurred when a fake order was placed for 300,000 business cards in the name of candidate Lee Jae-myung, resulting in losses for a local printing company. Additionally, a false message was circulated to the public, claiming, "You are scheduled to be appointed as a member of the Community Committee of the Organization Headquarters," which caused confusion.

Similar cases have been confirmed in the South Jeolla region as well. In April, the Democratic Party's Mokpo City Chapter received a report regarding someone impersonating a party official. Concerns over impersonation crimes during the election season are also growing among local small business owners.

The South Jeolla Chapter expressed concern that small business owners, already struggling due to the economic downturn, could become victims of large-scale fraudulent orders.

A representative from the South Jeolla Chapter stated, "Placing mass orders or sending false appointment messages while impersonating a political party or candidate is an explicit criminal act. If you receive a request for a large order for group uniforms, banners, or business cards, you must cross-check with the South Jeolla Chapter or the official campaign office of the relevant candidate."

They also emphasized, "If you receive text messages about committee appointments or requests to join election organizations from unclear sources, do not provide personal information or transfer money. If you encounter any suspicious cases, report them immediately to the police or the South Jeolla Chapter."