Baro Entertainment, which represents actors such as Byun Wooseok and Gong Seungyeon, has issued a warning regarding fraudulent activities involving individuals impersonating managers of its artists.
Actor Byun Wooseok is posing on the red carpet at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards held at COEX in Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul on the 5th. Photo by Yonhap News
On May 8, Baro Entertainment released an official statement, saying, "Recently, there have been cases of fraud where individuals impersonate our employees to gain financial benefit." The company explained, "These scammers approach small business owners or companies, claiming to be managers of our artists, and ask them to make advance payments for specific products (mainly wine) under the pretense of company gatherings, then cut off contact afterwards."
The company further emphasized, "Our employees and affiliates will never request money transfers or purchases of goods under any circumstances," and urged, "If you receive such a request, please be sure to verify the person's identity." Baro Entertainment also stated that it plans to take legal action against these fraudulent acts.
Similar scams have been occurring at other entertainment agencies as well. On May 6, JG Star, the agency representing singer Song Gain, announced, "There have been cases where someone impersonated Song Gain's manager and instructed people to prepare 'wine for gatherings' in advance, then disappeared." Song Gain also posted a direct warning on her social networking service (SNS) account, urging caution.
Mystic Story, the agency representing singer Yoon Jongshin, also reported that it had confirmed fraudulent activities involving impersonation of company employees. JYP Entertainment previously warned about malicious emails being distributed by individuals impersonating its legal representatives.
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