Ulsan Buk Police Station Awards Certificate of Appreciation to Bank Employee Who Prevented Voice Phishing Damage
Ulsan Buk Police Station Presents Certificate of Appreciation to Bank Employee
Voice Phishing Damages Increase by 17% This Year
Amid a nationwide surge in voice phishing scams, a man in his 50s with an intellectual disability narrowly avoided losing 10 million won in cash to scammers, thanks to the quick thinking of a bank employee.
On July 2, Ulsan Buk Police Station announced that it had presented a certificate of appreciation to Kim Jungyoung (50), Deputy General Manager of Woori Bank Ulsan Buk Branch, in recognition of his efforts in preventing a voice phishing incident. Kim played a key role in thwarting the crime by immediately noticing suspicious signs and responding calmly.
Kim Jungyoung, Deputy General Manager of Woori Bank Ulsan Buk Branch (right). Ulsan Buk Police Station
According to the police, at 12:40 p.m. on June 24, a customer in his 50s, referred to as Mr. A, visited the bank and requested a withdrawal of 10 million won from Kim. Knowing that Mr. A, a frequent visitor, had an intellectual disability, Kim asked about the purpose of the withdrawal. Mr. A replied that he had received a phone call instructing him to deposit 10 million won in fees in order to receive his husband's retirement pay of 2 billion won from overseas.
Recognizing the situation as a voice phishing scam, Kim immediately reported it to 112 and took proactive measures, such as ensuring that a warning alert would appear at all branches of the bank whenever Mr. A conducted financial transactions, thereby preventing any loss.
In accordance with the "Regulations on Rewards for 112 Report Contributors" implemented in January this year, the police awarded Kim a certificate of appreciation and a reward of 200,000 won. A police official stated, "Thanks to the prompt judgment and report by the informant, we were able to protect a citizen's valuable assets," adding, "We will continue to encourage citizen reporting, especially from financial institutions, to create a safer community in partnership with the police."
Voice phishing crimes continue to rise this year, with a particular concentration of institution-impersonation scams targeting middle-aged and older adults in their 50s and above, requiring heightened vigilance. In April, the National Investigation Headquarters of the National Police Agency announced that there were 5,878 voice phishing cases reported between January and March 2025, representing a 17% increase compared to the same period last year. The total amount of damages and the average loss per case also surged by 120% and 188%, respectively, reaching 311.6 billion won in total damages and 53.01 million won per case.
The National Police Agency urged the public to immediately hang up and report to 112 if they receive a call from an unknown number requesting actions such as case inquiry, special security or embargo, summary investigation or probation, asset inspection or transfer, or mobile phone activation or use of overseas messengers, as these are typical scenarios used by voice phishing scammers.
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