"Beware of 'Smishing' in Text Alerts for 4th Supplementary Budget Support Funds"

Photo by Ministry of SMEs and Startups

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Hyewon] The Ministry of SMEs and Startups, along with the Ministry of Science and ICT, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Employment and Labor, warned users on the 24th that smishing impersonating support for communication fees and employment subsidies related to the 4th supplementary budget is expected to increase.

Smishing is a combination of SMS (Short Message Service) and phishing, referring to a method where a large number of text messages containing malicious app links are sent to induce users to install malicious apps or make calls, thereby stealing financial and personal information.

According to the Korea Internet & Security Agency, 10,753 cases of smishing impersonating COVID-19 emergency disaster relief funds were reported from January to August this year. The agency is taking measures such as blocking smishing distribution sites (URLs) in cooperation with telecommunications companies to prevent further damage.

If a user who is not eligible for the 4th supplementary budget support receives such a message, they should not click on it and delete it immediately. Eligible recipients should carefully verify whether the message is smishing before clicking on any internet address (URL).

Users need to regularly follow the ‘Smishing Damage Prevention Guidelines and Actions to Take in Case of Damage,’ and if they receive suspicious smishing messages or suspect malicious app infection, they can contact the 118 Counseling Center without an area code for free 24-hour consultation.