"SKT USIM Hacking Incident Exploited"... Korea Consumer Agency Issues Warning on Impersonation Phishing

Inducing Installation of "Dispute Resolution Bureau" App
Personal Information Theft and Other Risks

On May 13, the Korea Consumer Agency warned consumers to be cautious, stating that phishing and smishing messages impersonating the agency are being sent by exploiting the recent SK Telecom subscriber USIM hacking incident.

According to the agency, in this phishing scheme, victims receive messages such as "Your mobile phone USIM has been hacked," prompting them to call or text back. The scammers then offer to "provide remote inspection support" and induce victims to install a malicious application named "Dispute Resolution Bureau" of the Korea Consumer Agency under the pretext of offering dispute resolution assistance.

The agency explained that while remote control apps themselves are not illegal and are used legitimately, installing such an app allows the user's smartphone to be remotely controlled, which can lead to personal information leaks and financial damage.

The Korea Consumer Agency sent a bulk message to consumers who had requested consultation regarding the SKT USIM hacking incident, warning them to be cautious of text messages impersonating the agency. The agency also emphasized that it does not require the installation of any additional apps when processing applications for dispute resolution related to the SKT USIM hacking incident, and advised consumers to immediately delete and not click on similar text messages if received.

Additionally, the agency requested that anyone who suffers economic losses due to text messages impersonating government agencies, including the Korea Consumer Agency, should immediately report the incident to the Cyber Bureau of the National Police Agency, the Financial Supervisory Service, or the Korea Internet & Security Agency's Internet Intrusion Response Center.