Large Orders Placed by Impersonating Entertainment Agency Staff, Followed by No-Shows
Agencies Representing Namgung Min, Ha Jungwoo, and Byun Wooseok Urge Public to Be Cautious
As incidents of "no-show" scams?where fraudsters impersonate employees of celebrity agencies to place large orders with small businesses and then fail to fulfill them?are on the rise, the entertainment industry is urging the public to be cautious of impersonation scams.
On May 9, 935 Entertainment, which represents actors such as Namgung Min and Yeon Junghoon, released an official statement saying, "Recently, there have been scam attempts where individuals impersonate our employees to gain financial benefits. We ask for your utmost caution."
The agency explained, "We have confirmed cases where scammers impersonated managers of our artists, approached small businesses, and placed large orders with various restaurants and wine suppliers under the pretense of company gatherings, only to commit 'no-shows' and cause financial damage."
The agency further emphasized, "Our employees and associates will never request money transfers or purchases of goods from external parties under any circumstances. If you receive such requests, do not send money or respond. If you have suffered any damages, please report it to the police immediately."
The agency also added, "We recognize the seriousness of this issue and will do our best to prevent similar incidents from occurring."
Recently, cases of impersonation?such as booking restaurants or making monetary demands by pretending to be managers of well-known celebrities?have been spreading throughout the entertainment industry.
On the same day, Walkhouse Company, the agency representing actor Ha Jungwoo, stated, "We have recently confirmed a case where someone impersonated a staff member of a production company featuring our actor, requested restaurant reservations, and demanded pre-payment for expensive alcoholic beverages. We ask for your utmost caution to prevent any damages."
Walkhouse Company is currently investigating the matter and is reportedly preparing strong countermeasures, including legal action.
On May 8, Baro Entertainment, the agency of actor Byun Wooseok, and on May 6, JG Star, the agency of singer Song Gain, also confirmed similar cases of impersonation and urged the public to be vigilant.
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