Even Official Names and ID Photos Used in Scams
City Warns: "Officials Never Request Goods by Phone"
Gongju City in South Chungcheong Province has recently urged citizens and local merchants to exercise particular caution, as there have been repeated cases of fraud in which individuals impersonate city officials to demand various goods from private businesses.
According to the city on July 24, the impersonators are using the real names of actual officials, and even sending photos of official ID cards, to pose as city hall employees.
They approach local small business owners and request purchases of items such as depression prevention medication for elderly people living alone, succulents, side dishes, relief supplies for disaster victims, and tool kits, under the pretense of social welfare or disaster recovery. Reports related to these scams are continuing to be filed.
In particular, the perpetrators have been found to forge and deliver official documents and purchase commitment letters, and there is even evidence that the seal of the Gongju mayor was used without authorization.
A city official stated, "There is absolutely no situation in which a public official would call a private business to ask them to purchase goods on their behalf," and added, "Such acts are clearly fraudulent, and we have already sent warning letters to the local merchants' association and relevant organizations."
The city plans to strengthen ongoing guidance and publicity to prevent further impersonation crimes, especially at a time when citizens are struggling due to recovery efforts and the distribution of support funds following recent heavy rains.
The official also emphasized, "If you receive any suspicious orders or contact, no matter how minor, please make sure to verify directly with city hall."
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