Passenger Holding a Bundle of Cash... Suspicious Taxi Driver Catches 'Voice Phishing' Criminal

"Buy a white car"... Clever tip-off call
Stopped at rest area using long-distance driving excuse, handed over suspect to police

A taxi driver sensed something unusual when a passenger carrying a bundle of cash changed their destination and used quick thinking to prevent a voice phishing crime. Photo by Anseong Police Station, Gyeonggi Province

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Juri] A taxi driver who sensed something suspicious from a passenger prevented a voice phishing crime. The taxi driver felt something was off when a passenger carrying a bundle of cash changed the destination, and cleverly reported it to the police.

The taxi driver, Mr. A, picked up a woman in her 20s, Ms. B, on a main road in front of Anseong City Hall, Gyeonggi Province, last July. On the way to Pyeongtaek, at Wongok 119 Safety Center, Ms. B said, "I was supposed to meet an investor and receive money," which immediately raised suspicion for Mr. A. He explained, "It felt suspicious because she said she would receive the money directly instead of having it deposited into the company's corporate bank account."

When they arrived at Wongok 119 Safety Center and Ms. B got out of the taxi, Mr. A called 112 and reported, "I think the taxi passenger is a voice phishing money collector."

At that moment, a black sedan appeared, and Ms. B received a shopping bag filled with cash from a person who got out of the vehicle, then got back into Mr. A's taxi and changed the destination to Hanam City.

Mr. A recounted the situation, saying, "The person who said she was going to Pyeongtaek took the money and then said she wanted to go to Hanam, so I was 100% sure."

During the drive, when the police called to track the reporter's location, Mr. A spoke as if talking to a younger brother he knew well. When asked about his car model, color, and license plate during the call, he replied, "Brother, if you want to buy a car, get it from ○○○. White is the best," revealing his car model.

Mr. A continued driving without hanging up the phone. Using the excuse of a long-distance drive, he told Ms. B, "I will stop by Anseong Rest Area," and the police, overhearing this conversation through the receiver, dispatched officers to the rest area, arriving early and waiting. On the day of the incident, they received Ms. B from Mr. A.

The Anseong Police Station in Gyeonggi Province booked Ms. B, the cash collector for the voice phishing organization, without detention on charges of aiding fraud and sent her to the prosecution in mid-month.

Investigations revealed that the organization Ms. B belonged to deceived victims by promising low-interest refinancing loans and attempted to steal cash under the pretext of repaying existing loans.

Mr. A shared his thoughts, saying, "Even if I am not directly harmed, people around me could be victims, so if such a situation arises, wouldn't anyone act like I did?"

The police selected Mr. A as a 'Phishing Guardian' and awarded him a certificate of commendation and a reward for reporting.