Beware of Official-Looking Stock Leading Room Compensation Letters Impersonating Government Agencies

248 Consultations Received Related to the First Quarter of This Year

Phishing text messages impersonating government agencies such as the Korea Consumer Agency and providing guidance on compensation claims for damages related to so-called 'stock leading rooms'?similar investment advisory services?are being continuously sent, requiring caution.

Cases of text messages impersonating the Korea Consumer Agency and forged official documents. The Consumer Agency urged that if any damage occurs, please report it to the National Police Agency or the Financial Supervisory Service.
[Photo by Korea Consumer Agency]

The Consumer Agency announced on the 21st that a total of 248 consultations related to compensation guidance for stock leading room damages impersonating government agencies were received at the 1372 Consumer Counseling Center during the first quarter of this year.

It was confirmed that the phishing text messages received by consumers included a manipulated 'refund application guide' that appeared to be an official document sent by the Consumer Agency or similar institutions. The forged document contained false information such as payment details and refund amounts.

The method deceives consumers by claiming it is for the 'damage compensation' procedure, then requests personal and financial information or recommends investments in unlisted stocks, subsequently stealing money.

The Consumer Agency stated, "We do not send any 'refund application guides' related to compensation for damages from similar investment advisory services," and urged, "If you receive such messages, delete them immediately and do not contact the sender."

If you suffer damages from contacts impersonating government agencies such as the Consumer Agency, you can report to the Cyber Investigation Division of the National Police Agency or the Financial Supervisory Service.