"Correctional Officer Impersonation" Tent Order Scam Foiled by Company Verification

Order of Goods Worth 2.5 Million Won
Warning Issued to Local Small Business Owners

In Gwangju, correctional authorities have issued a warning after a scam was uncovered in which individuals impersonated correctional officers to purchase goods.

On April 18, Gwangju Correctional Institution announced that a group of scammers, who falsely claimed to be correctional officers, attempted to order goods worth 2.5 million won from a local tent company but were caught in the act.

Gwangju Correctional Institution.

The scammer impersonated Officer A of Gwangju Correctional Institution, requested a quote for the purchase of seven tents, and even sent a forged business card and official document. The scam was exposed when the company preparing the delivery called the correctional institution’s general affairs department to verify the order. Fortunately, no actual financial loss occurred.

To prevent similar scams, Gwangju Correctional Institution has requested cooperation from the city of Gwangju and has urged local small business owners to remain vigilant.

An official from the correctional institution stated, "Correctional facilities do not make advance payments for goods or request payment to other companies," and added, "If you receive any suspicious contact, please be sure to verify it with the correctional institution or the police."