[Exclusive] MZ Generation at the Center of Voice Phishing... Highest Proportion of Victims and Suspects in Their 20s ['Again' E-Phishing]

② Fourfold Increase in Victims Under 20
'Institution Impersonation' Tactic Targeting Young Workers
Falling for High-Paying Part-Time Job Temptations

Last year, nearly half of the victims and suspects of voice phishing were in their 20s, making this age group the largest proportion among all age groups. While middle-aged and older adults were previously considered the main targets, younger people are now more exposed to these crimes. There is a need to improve awareness that anyone can be at risk of voice phishing and to implement tailored prevention measures.

One in Two Victims is ‘20s or Younger’

According to the 'Voice Phishing Victim Statistics' obtained by Asia Economy through an information disclosure request on the 30th, out of 18,902 total voice phishing victims last year, 8,886 were aged 20 or younger. This accounts for 47% of the total, more than four times the 10.2% recorded in 2019. By gender, 20s males (6,391) far outnumbered females (2,495).

The main reason why people in their 20s have become primary targets is attributed to a lack of awareness about personal information and limited social experience. Gu Jeong-woo, a professor of sociology at Sungkyunkwan University, explained, "Most people in their 20s tend to be unreserved about sharing their private lives on social networking services (SNS). This makes them vulnerable to personal information and privacy breaches, making them easy targets for voice phishing crimes and leaving them defenseless."

Voice phishing organizations often use institution impersonation tactics targeting young workers just starting their careers. In fact, among 11,314 cases of institution impersonation voice phishing last year, 76% of the victims were aged 20 or younger. Feeling pressured when impersonators claim to be from investigative agencies such as the police or prosecution led to these victims falling prey to voice phishing. A police official urged, "There is no disadvantage in refusing to talk to investigative or government agencies, so you should hang up even if you receive such calls."

From Low-Level Members to Bosses

Suspects of voice phishing are also predominantly in their 20s. According to police statistics, out of 22,386 suspects arrested last year, 9,842 (44%) were aged 20 or younger. It is analyzed that these individuals, facing social and economic hardships, participate in crimes by taking roles such as cash collectors. In August, Mr. A, who was looking for a part-time job online, received an offer to withdraw money from an account and deliver it in exchange for a daily wage of 200,000 won. He was sentenced to six months in prison for aiding and abetting attempted fraud by participating in voice phishing crimes. The court stated, "This was not a legitimate part-time job, and in a situation where there was suspicion of involvement in illegal activities such as voice phishing, the defendant tacitly allowed or ignored it, facilitating the attempted fraud," as the reason for sentencing.

Oh Young-hoon, head of the Voice Phishing Crime Joint Investigation Unit at the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office, said, "People in their 20s who have difficulty finding jobs and have financial needs are easily tempted by offers of high-paying part-time jobs. Since high-income part-time jobs can be done simply by lending accounts and all processes are conducted non-face-to-face, their awareness of the crime may weaken."

Even voice phishing bosses in their 20s have emerged. In September, Mr. B (27), who is accused of running a call center based in China and embezzling about 4.4 billion won from 101 victims, was brought to trial. Investigations revealed that Mr. B, unable to find a job in Korea, was employed as a counselor at a voice phishing company in China in 2019, learned the methods for four years, and then established his own organization.

Experts pointed out that efforts to improve the perception that 'people in their 20s are unrelated to voice phishing' and to provide victim support must be made simultaneously. Gu Jeong-woo, professor of sociology at Sungkyunkwan University, said, "Young people tend to be tolerant of disclosing their information online, making them both victims and perpetrators of voice phishing. Overconfidence in their digital skills can actually put them at risk." Lee Soo-jeong, professor of criminal psychology at Kyonggi University, added, "It is necessary to accurately identify those who are easily lured by voice phishing and prepare measures to support victims."