'Voice Phishing Documents, Call Center to Verify Authenticity' Opened
Open 24/7 All Year... "Please Ask About Authenticity"
[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] "This is Prosecutor Kim Donghyun from the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office. Ms. Kim Jiyoung's bank account has been used for criminal activities."
A deep male voice came through the phone. "Do you know Mr. Kim Jincheol who lives in Gwangju, Jeollado? We have found a bank account under the name of Ms. Kim Jiyoung (alias) and are currently investigating." The pronunciation sounded somewhat awkward. Although it seemed like a voice phishing attempt, the unease did not go away. Mr. Kim went to the bank to check if there was any recently issued account under his name.
Mr. Park Minsu (alias) also received a call from a man claiming to be an 'investigator from the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office.' "You are involved in a fraud case exceeding 3 billion won and must prove yourself as a victim. If you withdraw the cash from your account, we will verify the serial numbers and return it to you." The man sent a text message during the call, promising to show an official investigation document. The message indeed displayed the case summary and official document. After checking on a portal site and finding similar cases, Mr. Park realized it was voice phishing.
From now on, people like Mr. Kim or Mr. Park no longer need to visit banks or search portal sites to verify the authenticity of voice phishing impersonating the prosecution. On the 29th, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office announced the establishment and commencement of the 'Voice Phishing Document Authenticity Call Center' (Jjin Center) under the Human Rights Supervisor. If voice phishing is suspected, calling the Jjin Center direct number 010-3570-8242 (ppalrisa-gi) connects you to investigators who will verify the facts and provide guidance on summons or investigation by the prosecutor's office. A prosecution official said, "We expect the Jjin Center to help prevent damages caused by voice phishing impersonating the prosecution."
The reason Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office set up the Jjin Center is that voice phishing tactics are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Cases of impersonating prosecutors or using forged prosecution-related documents to deceive victims and extort money are on the rise. Among the 432 voice phishing cases referred to trial by the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office this year, 176 cases (40.7%) involved impersonation of the prosecution, second only to financial institution impersonation cases (227 cases, 52.5%).
Most prosecution-impersonation voice phishing cases involve forged documents such as fake arrest warrants or employment certificates related to the prosecution. However, it is not easy to determine authenticity. While experts can identify fake documents, ordinary people unfamiliar with prosecution documents tend to believe they are genuine. Forged bond transfer certificates and debt repayment confirmations are also frequently used document types.
A prosecution official said, "If you take a photo of the suspicious document with your phone and send it to the Jjin Center phone number, a prompt authenticity check is possible." However, if a malicious application is installed on the phone during contact with voice phishing criminals, even dialing the Jjin Center number may connect you to the phishing group, so it is safer to use someone else's phone. The Jjin Center operates 24/7 year-round. The prosecution official added, "The prosecution never asks for documents via text messages or requests cash withdrawals. If you suspect prosecution-related voice phishing, please call the Jjin Center immediately."
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