"COVID-19 Self-Quarantine... Even Coughing Sprays Saliva"
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-ju] A story about nearly being scammed by an elementary school student while trying to trade high-priced electronics on the secondhand goods platform 'Danggeun Market' has become a hot topic online.
On the 3rd, a post titled "The delinquent is fierce. I just came back from the local police station" was uploaded on an online community called 'Ppomppu'.
According to the author, Mr. A, he posted an ad on Danggeun Market to sell a used 'iPad 8th generation'.
Then, Mr. B contacted him saying he wanted to buy the item, and Mr. A went to Mr. B's apartment door carrying the iPad.
Mr. B said, "If you stay at home, I will transfer the money," and told him to leave the item there.
Mr. A questioned, "I need to confirm the payment first. How can I just leave the item and go?"
Mr. B emphasized, "(I am) a COVID-19 self-quarantined person," adding, "Even coughing spreads droplets."
Mr. B reassured Mr. A that he was concerned about infection if they met in front of the house and promised to transfer the money.
Mr. A said he moved to the basement first floor, and Mr. B even requested a photo to verify the location.
About 10 minutes later, the sensor lights on the upstairs stairs turned on, and watching just in case, Mr. A saw a student grab his iPad and run out of the building.
Startled by this, Mr. A hurriedly chased after him but fell on the stairs and injured his knee. Mr. B disappeared near the recycling separation area.
Eventually, Mr. A found Mr. B hiding near the recycling collection point.
When Mr. A asked the rather young-looking Mr. B for his parents' contact information, he did not respond, so Mr. A reported it to 112 (police emergency number).
It turned out that Mr. B was a fourth-grade elementary school student, a so-called 'Chokbeopsonyeon' (juvenile below the age of criminal responsibility).
In his post, Mr. A expressed frustration, saying, "The police, Mr. B's parents, and the security guard all told me to show leniency," adding, "It's fortunate I caught him; if I hadn't, I would have just suffered losses and injured my knee."
He continued, "Having actually been victimized by a 'Chokbeopsonyeon', there is no way to deal with it. If caught, you get your money back; if not, you are just unlucky," expressing deep anger.
Meanwhile, under current law, 'Chokbeopsonyeon' refers to juveniles aged 10 to under 14 who are not subject to criminal punishment. However, they may receive protective measures such as custody orders, community service, or placement in juvenile detention centers from family courts, and no criminal record is left.
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