Voice Phishing Alert Ahead of Chuseok: Beware of Parcel Delivery Messages and Direct Foreign Currency Transactions

Financial Authorities Announce Types of Fraud and Response Guidelines for the Holiday Season
"Do Not Click Suspicious URLs... Handle Foreign Currency Through Financial Institutions"

The financial authorities have issued a warning ahead of Chuseok, the Korean Thanksgiving holiday, stating that voice phishing incidents exploiting parcel deliveries and overseas travel may increase during this period and urging the public to remain vigilant.

On September 20, the Financial Services Commission and the Financial Supervisory Service cautioned that voice phishing and smishing schemes are likely to target the increased volume of holiday gift deliveries and foreign currency exchanges following overseas travel during Chuseok. They provided information on the main types of fraud and guidance on how to respond.

In particular, people should beware of smishing scams that use messages such as "parcel address error," "delivery unavailable," or "unpaid fines or penalties" to lure victims into clicking malicious Internet links (URLs). If a malicious app is installed, personal and financial information may be stolen, leading to voice phishing damages.

The financial authorities recommended that the public avoid clicking on any URLs from unknown sources and that information about parcel deliveries or fines should be checked directly through the official website, application (app), or representative phone number of the relevant institution. If a malicious app has been installed, it is advised to power off the phone or switch it to airplane mode and then contact the mobile carrier or other authorities to have the app removed and the phone reset as necessary.

The authorities also advised caution when selling leftover foreign currency through online secondhand trading platforms after returning from overseas travel. A scammer may offer a price higher than the market rate and, upon reaching an agreement, direct a voice phishing victim to deposit funds into the seller's account, unwittingly involving the seller in money laundering.

In such cases, the account may be designated as a scam-used account and subjected to a payment freeze or restrictions on electronic financial transactions. The financial authorities recommended handling leftover foreign currency transactions through financial institutions whenever possible. If someone offers a price higher than the market rate or if the remitter's name differs from the trading partner, the transaction should be halted immediately.

They also warned against secondary damages from voice phishing or smishing using leaked personal information. Scammers may use stolen personal information to claim that a "fraudulent account has been opened in your name," "you are involved in identity theft crimes," or "you will receive compensation for leaked personal information," in an attempt to lure victims into accessing phishing sites, installing malicious apps, or making unauthorized fund transfers.

Even if the caller knows your name or phone number, you should be suspicious if they ask you to access URLs, install apps, or transfer money. If you are concerned that your identity has been stolen, you can use the "Safe Block Service for Financial Transactions" to prevent unauthorized loans, account openings, or open banking in your name without your knowledge.

A Financial Services Commission official stated, "In order for families to spend the holiday safely, please familiarize yourself with the '10 Commandments for Preventing Voice Phishing.' If you receive a suspicious call or text, hang up immediately and contact the official counseling number. We also plan to strengthen preventive education against such fraud through financial sector channels."

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