Government Warns of Parcel Delivery and Traffic Violation Scam Texts During Seol Holiday

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Hye-sun] The government announced on the 16th that it will establish a 24-hour safety response system with related ministries during the Lunar New Year holiday period, focusing on monitoring text message scams and cracking down on cyber crimes.

The Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA) will operate a continuous monitoring system during the Lunar New Year holiday to respond swiftly to the spread of text message scams. They will analyze reported smishing information and block sites distributing malicious applications. Smishing is a combination of SMS (Short Message Service) and phishing, a method that sends text messages containing malicious app addresses to induce users to install malicious apps or make calls, thereby stealing financial and personal information.

The Korea Communications Commission, in cooperation with the three mobile carriers (SKT, KT, LGU+) and the Korea Association for ICT Promotion (KAIT), plans to send text messages titled "Smishing Text Warning Notice" to subscribers under each carrier’s name starting from the 16th.

According to last year’s smishing text detection status, the most common types were impersonations of public institutions, such as fake parcel delivery notifications and traffic violation fine notices, which attract high public interest. In particular, smishing impersonating public institutions like traffic violation notices has been increasing.

Recently, after sending parcel delivery-related texts, there have been scam types that impersonate delivery workers by inducing conversations through messenger apps like KakaoTalk. Messenger phishing damages are also continuously increasing, where scammers claim to be family or acquaintances and request money, gift cards, or personal financial transaction information by citing urgent situations. Clicking on links from unknown sources to install malicious apps or remote control apps can transfer control of the phone, allowing theft of information stored on electronic devices. Since unauthorized bank transfers and small payments can cause significant financial damage, one should not comply with requests from the other party until confirming their identity accurately via phone or video call.