[Interview] "I was under the illusion that I wasn't deceived... Next, it's your turn" [‘Again’ E-Phishing]

③ Interview with Baek Ui-hyeong, Head of the Phishing Crime Investigation Division at the National Police Agency
Crime expert with over 20 years of experience in the investigation department
Above all, quick reporting to the police is crucial

"If you have not yet fallen victim to voice phishing, it does not mean you have not been deceived; it simply means your turn has not come yet. Even now, someone is being tricked."

On the 30th, Baek Eui-hyeong, head of the Phishing Crime Investigation Division at the National Police Agency, is being interviewed at a cafe inside the National Police Agency in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul.
[Photo by Yeom Da-yeon]

On the afternoon of the 30th, Baek Ui-hyeong, head of the Phishing Crime Investigation Division at the National Police Agency, stated in an interview with Asia Economy at the police headquarters in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, "In general fraud cases, legal review on whether a crime is established is important, but in organized fraud crimes like voice phishing, investigations tracking the perpetrators on the ground are crucial," adding, "Detectives specialized in tracking investigations are in charge of phishing crime investigations and are swiftly making arrests."

Chief Baek is an expert in voice phishing crimes with over 20 years of experience in investigations. He explained, “In February, the National Police Agency established the Phishing Crime Investigation Division under the Narcotics and Organized Crime Investigation Department of the Criminal Affairs Bureau. Until now, when voice phishing crimes occurred, individual cases were handled by individual investigators, but now the National Police Agency collects registration data of each case, classifies and merges cases involving the same organization, thereby improving investigation efficiency.”

Voice phishing organizations manipulate every aspect of the victim’s situation using well-crafted scenarios and the latest technology. Chief Baek said, "They design scripts that anyone would find tempting by reflecting domestic and international situations such as interest rate cuts. After recruiting victims, they install malicious applications (apps) to isolate the victims from society," adding, "During the recent 'Timef incident,' news about government compensation for losses emerged, and this was exploited to approach Timef victims, leading to secondary damage."

The criminal methods have evolved into ‘target-customized’ approaches considering age groups and individual circumstances. Chief Baek warned, "People in their 20s with less social experience suffer the most from institution impersonation scams, but this year, the proportion of female homemakers in their 50s and 60s as victims has also increased, so caution is necessary."

As voice phishing organizations become increasingly specialized and divided, international cooperation has become essential. Chief Baek said, "When we follow cases domestically, the trail often goes cold, which is frustrating," but added, "Recently, many cases have been resolved through cooperation with overseas investigative agencies, and just this year, over 200 suspects have been arrested abroad."

The police increase budgets and manpower related to voice phishing every year. Chief Baek stated, "The arrest rate for organized fraud crimes is declining, and since publicity about new methods is important, we cannot let our guard down," adding, "The scenarios used by phishers change rapidly each time, so we promptly promote awareness and prepare to keep the public vigilant."

The National Police Agency is paying attention to the rising crimes targeting people in their 20s. Chief Baek said, "Since preventive effects were seen when continuous publicity and education measures were implemented for middle-aged and older adults, we are focusing on online publicity through social networking services (SNS) widely used by younger generations," adding, "We are conducting voice phishing prevention education for military personnel in collaboration with the Ministry of National Defense."

Chief Baek advised, "If you receive a suspicious call, the best method is to hang up immediately and ask family or acquaintances," explaining, "Phishers’ first instruction is not to tell anyone, but they know that if you ask even one person, their crime will be exposed."

In cases where you suspect you have been a victim of voice phishing, prompt reporting to the police is crucial. Chief Baek emphasized, "Since last year, the integrated reporting response center has been unified under 112, so you do not need to call banks or credit card companies separately," adding, "Just reporting to the police will resolve everything, including account suspension."