Muan Cheon Byeong-hyeon, CEO, Prevents Voice Phishing Damage... Awarded a Commendation

(On the right) Cheon Byeong-hyeon, CEO operating a fragrant wood cafe in Samhyang, Muan / Photo by Asia Economy

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Seo Young-seo] Thanks to the quick wit of the owner of a cafe in Samhyang, Muan, tens of millions of won in voice phishing crime damage was prevented, setting an example for the local community.

The Muan Police Station awarded a commendation to Cheon Byeong-hyeon, owner of the Hyanggirowoonamu Cafe, who sensed that an elderly woman was a victim of a voice phishing crime and immediately reported it to the police, preventing the crime damage.

According to the police, on the afternoon of the 4th, Cheon Byeong-hyeon, who runs a cafe in Samhyang-eup, Muan, Jeollanam-do, noticed an elderly woman walking near the cafe with a dark expression while talking on the phone.

When Cheon asked the elderly woman what was wrong, she quietly gestured with her index finger to be silent and continued the call. Listening in, he confirmed that the caller was demanding repayment of a 20 million won debt from her son, threatening her life if unpaid. Instinctively realizing it was a voice phishing crime, he immediately reported it to the police station, preventing the damage.

Accordingly, the police presented Cheon Byeong-hyeon with a commendation from the police chief and expressed their gratitude.

Cheon Byeong-hyeon said, “There seem to be many elderly people in rural areas who are exposed to financial scams,” and added, “I hope there will be no more harm to elderly people in the countryside.”

Yoon Hu-ui, chief of Muan Police Station, said, “We are grateful to Cheon Byeong-hyeon for his attention and proactive response that helped prevent voice phishing,” and stated, “We will continue to do our best to prevent and catch voice phishing through ongoing publicity.”