"Just One Payment with Mom's Phone"... Beware of Text Message Scams

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyo-jin] "Mom, this is Young-hee. I need to make an urgent online payment, but I lost my phone... Please make the payment once using your phone."

The Financial Services Commission and the Financial Supervisory Service warned on the 29th that smishing (SMS payment fraud) exploiting urgent disaster relief funds related to COVID-19, delivery confirmation, and payment requests impersonating family members is expected to surge during the Chuseok holiday, urging the public to be especially cautious.

Most smishing cases involve impersonating children to approach parents via text messages, using bait such as small online payments or membership authentication. They request sending copies of ID cards, credit card numbers, and passwords needed for payment and authentication.

When payment or authentication does not proceed smoothly, they also induce victims to install remote control applications (apps) on their phones to handle the process directly.

A Financial Services Commission official advised, "Parents should always verify directly before responding, and children should inform their parents by phone in advance to prevent them from falling for smishing messages."

The Financial Services Commission is introducing a webtoon on smishing prevention and response during the Chuseok holiday on its Instagram and Facebook. Measures also include sending voice phishing warning texts by mobile carriers, public service campaign advertisements using terrestrial broadcasting, and distributing promotional videos featuring new voice phishing cases.

Additionally, the Financial Services Commission is promoting a plan to send disaster alert messages whenever new phishing techniques emerge through prompt consultations with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.