Financial Scams Surge During Chuseok... Clicking on 'Delivery Error' Messages Can Lead to Trouble

Luring Victims to Click Malicious URLs with "Delivery Error" and "Unpaid Fine" Messages

"Exchange Leftover Foreign Currency at Financial Institutions, Not via Person-to-Person Deals"

As the Chuseok holiday begins, concerns over voice phishing and smishing scams are growing, as criminals exploit the increased demand for parcel deliveries and overseas travel. Extra caution is therefore advised.

According to financial authorities on September 25, the possibility of financial scams is rising, especially as there is a surge in deliveries of holiday gifts and an increase in demand for currency exchange after overseas trips.

Smishing crimes that target the increase in parcel volumes around the holidays are particularly common. Scammers send text messages with phrases such as "delivery address error" or "unable to deliver," attempting to lure recipients into clicking malicious internet links (URLs). Methods citing "unpaid fines or penalties" are also frequently used. If recipients tap on a URL embedded in such messages, a malicious application can be installed on their phone, leading to the theft of personal and financial information, and potentially resulting in damage from voice phishing scams.

Financial authorities urge not to click on URLs from unknown sources. If you receive a text about a delivery or a fine, verify the information directly via the official website, app, or main phone number of the institution involved. If a malicious app is already installed, it is advised to turn off your mobile phone or switch it to airplane mode. Afterward, you should delete the app through your carrier or take necessary measures such as resetting the device.

Caution is also needed when selling leftover foreign currency after overseas travel through direct deals between individuals. Scammers may approach via online secondhand trading platforms, offering to buy foreign currency at prices above the market rate. They then arrange for the payment to be made by a voice phishing victim to the seller's account. As a result, the seller, who believes the transaction is legitimate, transfers the foreign currency without realizing they are inadvertently involved in a money laundering process. In this scenario, the seller’s account may be designated as one used for fraud, resulting in suspended payments or restrictions on electronic financial transactions.

Financial authorities recommend using financial institutions to exchange leftover foreign currency after overseas trips whenever possible. Even in person-to-person trades, if the other party offers to buy at a rate higher than the market price or if the sender’s name does not match the buyer’s, it is safest to stop the transaction immediately.

Attention is also required to prevent "secondary damage" stemming from personal information leaks. Criminals may use already leaked information and approach their targets by claiming, "an account in your name has been opened," "you are involved in identity theft crimes," or "we will pay you compensation for the release of your personal information." They subsequently induce victims to visit phishing sites or install malicious apps before ultimately demanding a money transfer.

Therefore, you should not place your trust in someone just because they know your name, phone number, or other personal details. If someone asks you to visit a website, install an app, or make a transfer, you should suspect voice phishing.

If you are worried about identity theft, you can use the "Safe Financial Transaction Blocking Service," which prevents loans, opening of accounts, or open banking transactions from being initiated in your name without your knowledge.

Financial authorities emphasize that during the holiday period, you should review the voice phishing prevention guidelines and, if you receive a suspicious call or message, immediately end the call and confirm the facts through an official consultation hotline.

An official from the Financial Services Commission stated, "Please familiarize yourself with the 'Ten Rules for Preventing Voice Phishing' so you can enjoy a safe holiday with your family," adding, "We will also strengthen promotional efforts to prevent such scams through financial sector channels."

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