Financial Authorities Launch Campaign to Prevent AI Investment Scams

KOBACO's "Safe Financial Life" Public Service Advertisement to Air from September 2
Raising Awareness of Illegal Financial Crimes Using Expert Impersonation and Fake News
Strengthening Financial Education for Youths, Including Military Personnel and Entry-Level Employees

Financial authorities have launched a nationwide public awareness campaign to prevent illegal financial crimes such as impersonating experts with artificial intelligence (AI) or using fake news to lure people with promises of high returns and principal guarantees.

The Financial Services Commission and the Financial Supervisory Service announced that starting from September 2, they will broadcast Korea Broadcast Advertising Corporation (KOBACO)'s public service advertisement “Safe Financial Life” through various online and offline channels, in cooperation with related government agencies and the financial industry.

Recently, illegal deposit-taking businesses and illegal financial investment firms have been using AI to impersonate financial experts or spread fake news in order to approach investors. After promising high returns or principal guarantees, they induce people to invest, then abscond with the funds, resulting in continued losses for victims.

Since the beginning of this year, the Financial Supervisory Service has repeatedly issued consumer alerts regarding illegal “leading rooms” scams, solicitations for high-return or principal-guaranteed investments, and so-called “Finfluencers”—illegal financial influencers.

This public service advertisement depicts people in everyday situations, such as at cafes, hearing success stories or high-return/principal-guaranteed recommendations from acquaintances or pseudo-experts, and shows them experiencing anxiety. The campaign focuses on raising awareness of illegal financial crimes by highlighting cases of actual potential damage.

The campaign also provides prevention methods. When someone is solicited to invest, they should first suspect the possibility of an approach by an illegal financial operator and carefully review all related information. It is crucial to consult with relevant authorities and verify facts before making any investment decisions.

The public service video will be posted after 10:00 AM on September 2 on the official YouTube and Instagram channels and the websites of both the Financial Services Commission and the Financial Supervisory Service. It will also be shown on outdoor electronic billboards and displays at local governments and related agencies, as well as distributed through websites, mobile applications, and social network services (SNS).

Industry associations such as the Korea Federation of Banks, the Korea Financial Investment Association, and the Korea Life Insurance Association, along with financial companies, will sequentially promote the advertisement through branch monitors and official YouTube channels, utilizing both online and offline channels.

Financial authorities will also strengthen financial education for youths and young adults, considering the rising interest in financial investment among military personnel and entry-level employees. The policy aims to help young people learn how to prevent illegal financial crime starting in their teenage years, and foster sound and sustainable investment perspectives.

Financial authorities plan to continue producing and distributing promotional and educational videos containing guidelines for responding to investment scams, illegal private lending, and asset management tips appropriate to each stage of life.

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