Yecheon County Uncovers Fraud Attempt Involving Impersonation of Official and Forged Document for Goods Purchase

Even Forged Official Documents in the Governor's Name
Local Businesses Urged to Exercise Special Caution

In Yecheon County, Gyeongbuk, an attempted fraud involving impersonation of a county office official and the forgery of an official document in the name of the county governor was uncovered, putting local businesses on high alert.

Notice of Special Caution Regarding Attempted Forgery and Fraud by Impersonating Yecheon County Public Officials in Gyeongbuk.

With similar crimes occurring nationwide in recent days, Yecheon County has also warned of the potential for victimization and urged residents to exercise special caution.

According to the county, a scammer posed as an employee of the Yecheon County Office and approached a local pesticide shop, requesting a quote for agricultural supplies.

Based on the information obtained from the business, the scammer then created and delivered a forged official document in the name of Governor Kim Hakdong, and requested the delivery of about 400 protective suits.

The shop owner, sensing something suspicious, checked with the county office to confirm the employment status of the alleged employee. As a result, the fraudulent scheme was exposed, and it was reported that no damage occurred.

A Yecheon County official explained, "The method involves first requesting a quote, then sending an official document in the governor's name to build trust, and finally asking for the delivery of specific products from a certain company." The official emphasized that "special vigilance is required due to the sophisticated nature of this crime method."

This case closely resembles similar fraud incidents previously reported in Gunpo, Suwon, and Hwaseong in Gyeonggi Province, as well as in Yeongju, Gyeongbuk. In these areas, crimes involving impersonation of public officials to request goods or the use of forged official documents have been repeatedly occurring.

In response to this incident, Yecheon County has provided several key points for verifying the authenticity of official documents.

A county official highlighted the following: ▲ Official documents must always be prepared in A4 size; documents in other sizes should be verified. ▲ If the contact number at the bottom of the document is a mobile phone or internet phone instead of the Yecheon County Office's official area code, it should be treated with suspicion. ▲ If a public official requests the purchase of products from a specific company on their behalf, there is a high likelihood of fraud.

Kim Hakdong, Governor of Yecheon County, stated, "As crimes involving impersonation of public institutions continue to occur, a similar attempt has now happened in Yecheon as well, requiring local businesses to be thoroughly vigilant." He urged, "If there is anything even slightly suspicious, please be sure to confirm with the county office."

Yecheon County plans to strengthen guidance and publicity activities for local businesses regarding procedures to verify the authenticity of official documents, and to actively cooperate with the police in investigations to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents in the future.