Lost 10 Million Won Deposit After Direct 'Half-Price Monthly Rent' Deal with Fake Landlord

"Only a provisional deposit"... Cases of damage up to 10 million won
Exposure of door password as the "starting point"
Korea Association of Realtors issues nationwide emergency alert

Recently, a series of direct transaction fraud cases targeting vacant officetels in the Seoul area have occurred, raising the need for caution. It is reported that dozens of victims have fallen prey to these serial crimes conducted through direct transaction platforms.

On the 24th, according to the Korea Association of Realtors, cases were uncovered where fraudsters impersonated licensed real estate agents or tenants to approach the actual property owners, obtained the door password of vacant officetels, pretended to be the landlords, collected deposits through direct transactions, and then fled.

Recently, Mr. Park, who rents out an officetel in Seongsu-dong, Seongdong-gu, received a request from a stranger saying, "I have arrived in front of the house, please just tell me the password," and he complied. Later, the property was advertised on a direct transaction platform at half the monthly rent, and young people who actually checked the property were deceived into sending money after being told, "You only need to send a provisional deposit of 1 million won."

The fraudster gained trust by presenting forged certified copies of the register and identification cards, allowing free viewing of the interior until contact was lost. Among the victims, there was even a case where the entire deposit of 10 million won was transferred.

Mr. Park said, "There have been 3 to 4 cases of damage targeting the same house," and he has posted a 'Fraud Warning Notice' on the door to prevent further damage. The police have identified a prime suspect and are investigating, but due to the use of burner phones and fake bank accounts, as well as frequent identity theft and ID changes within the platform, apprehension is proving difficult.

Additionally, in some parts of the Gangnam area, it is known that fraudsters even posed as landlords, drafted direct transaction contracts, and moved in, highlighting the need for overall security and authentication system improvements on direct transaction platforms.

The Korea Association of Realtors has issued an emergency warning to its members nationwide, considering the seriousness of the matter. The association urged, "Even if the property is vacant, never disclose the door password to anyone impersonating a tenant," and recommended immediate reporting to the police if similar cases are discovered. The association also stated, "There may be approaches proposing joint brokerage disguised as licensed real estate agents, so it is essential to thoroughly verify whether it is a fraud."