"No-show Fraud Strikes as 'Sejong Fire Department' Places 270,000 Won Lunchbox Order, Leaving Business Owner in Distress"

Obstruction of Business: Up to 5 Years in Prison or a Fine of Up to 15 Million Won
Fire Department Urges: "Report Immediately If Suspicious"

Sejong Fire Station No-Show Fraud Prevention Poster. Sejong Special Self-Governing City Fire Headquarters

As so-called "no-show fraud," in which scammers impersonate politicians, celebrities, and others, continues to spread, an incident involving impersonation of the fire department has also occurred, prompting authorities to issue a warning.

According to the Sejong Southern Fire Station on May 23, on May 19, a lunchbox order worth approximately 270,000 won was placed under the name of a fire agency at a restaurant in Hansol-dong, Sejong City. The person who placed the order sent a "payment guarantee for goods supply" via text message, disguised to look like an official document, and stated they would pick up the lunchboxes the next day, but never showed up.

Afterward, the business owner visited the 119 Safety Center to request payment and reported the incident, only to find out that the purchaser was not an employee of the fire agency.

An official from the Sejong Southern Fire Station stated, "Recently, there have been a series of cases nationwide involving impersonation of fire agencies," and advised, "If you encounter a suspicious situation, please verify directly with the relevant agency immediately."

Meanwhile, the business owner plans to file a criminal complaint with the police soon for obstruction of business. According to Article 314 of the Criminal Act (Obstruction of Business), anyone who interferes with another person's business by force or other means can be punished with imprisonment for up to five years or a fine of up to 15 million won. However, a no-show does not automatically constitute obstruction of business; intentionality, repetition, organization, and whether actual business interference occurred are all considered.