Four Illegal Door-to-Door Sales Agents in Busan Caught Luring Seniors with Singing Classes and More...

Police: "Masks Worn but Social Distancing Not Maintained"

As the spread of COVID-19 shows no signs of easing, four vendors who conducted illegal door-to-door sales to the elderly without reporting to local governments were caught.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Bong-ju] Amid the ongoing spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), four operators who conducted illegal door-to-door sales to elderly people without reporting to local governments have been caught.

On the 2nd, the Busan Metropolitan Police Agency announced that they have sent Mr. A (in his 50s) and Mr. B (in his 40s) to the prosecution with an indictment opinion on charges of violating the Door-to-Door Sales Act, and are investigating Mr. C (in his 40s) and Mr. D (in his 50s).

Mr. A is suspected of luring elderly people by holding a free massage experience event last month in a building in Geumjeong-gu, Busan, and selling medical devices and other products.

According to the police, 20 elderly people gathered in the building at the time wore masks but did not observe social distancing.

Mr. B is also suspected of gathering elderly people in a building in Saha-gu last month by offering free rice cakes, eggs, and tissue paper, and selling daily necessities.

Mr. C and Mr. D are also suspected of gathering elderly people in a building in Yeonje-gu under the pretext of a singing class or promotional event and selling health products and others.

According to the Door-to-Door Sales Act, telephone solicitation sales or door-to-door sales must be reported to local governments with the business name, address, phone number, and other information. Mr. A and others were caught conducting illegal door-to-door sales without reporting.

Due to the nature of door-to-door sales, which mainly take place indoors targeting high-risk groups such as the elderly, there is a high possibility of transmission through lectures, dancing, or singing. In fact, confirmed cases have emerged through door-to-door sales in the metropolitan area, Daejeon, Gwangju, and Jeonnam regions.

In response, quarantine authorities have urged people not to attend door-to-door sales, business briefings, or experience events where quarantine rules are not properly followed.