Changwon Special City Urges Public: "Don't Fall for Voice Phishing Impersonating Officials"

Beware of Fake Business Cards and Official Documents
Advance Payments Demanded Under the Pretense of Supply or Construction Contracts

Changwon Special City in Gyeongnam has urged citizens and local businesses to exercise particular caution following a recent series of reports involving voice phishing scams in which individuals impersonate city hall officials and demand advance payments under the pretense of construction or supply contracts.

The main method involves scammers presenting fake business cards and forged official documents while posing as city hall officials. They approach various companies, such as furniture suppliers and fire safety equipment firms, and build trust by suggesting, "Let's meet directly at city hall to proceed with the contract," before ultimately requesting an advance payment. Fortunately, no financial losses have been reported so far. Changwon City has identified these incidents as voice phishing scams and has reported them to the police, who have launched an investigation.

A city official stated, "Neither Changwon City nor any other public institution ever requests advance payments during the contract process," and emphasized, "If you receive a suspicious contact, immediately report it to the Changwon City Hall Autonomous Administration Division or the police, and always verify the facts through the official contact information of the relevant department."

Meanwhile, Changwon Special City plans to promptly inform the public about these incidents through the city hall website and social media, and will actively promote preventive measures to ensure similar cases do not occur.