Gunpo Police Shares Direct Line with Lodging Businesses in Advance
Achievement in Preventing Voice Phishing
Typical Method of New Crime: 'Self-Confinement'
A public servant in their 20s avoided financial loss after being tricked by a voice phishing (telephone financial fraud) scheme and confining themselves in a motel room, thanks to a suspicious motel owner's report to the police.
On August 7, Gunpo Police Station in Gyeonggi Province reported that motel owner Mr. A, who operates a motel in Gunpo, called the police direct line at around 4:50 p.m. on July 21. He reported, "A young guest wants to rent a room alone and is using two mobile phones, swapping SIM cards. They seem like a voice phishing victim, but they could also be a member of the organization, so I am scared."
Police were immediately dispatched and identified Mr. B, a person in their 20s, at the motel. After confirming that Mr. B was a victim of voice phishing, they prevented the transfer of funds. This is a typical method of a new crime known as 'self-confinement,' in which the victim is instructed to isolate themselves in a motel, allowing the criminals to steal money through remote control of the phone and other means.
Mr. B, a public servant, had received a call around 4 p.m. the same day while at work from a member of a voice phishing organization impersonating a prosecutor from the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office. The caller told Mr. B, "You are involved in a bank account fraud case. Buy a new mobile phone as soon as possible and check into the nearest motel. You need to prove your assets, so send the balance of all your accounts." Mr. B then went to the motel as instructed.
Malicious apps had been installed on Mr. B's phone, making it difficult to report the crime directly. Mr. B, frightened by the organization's warning that reporting could lead to workplace disadvantages, followed the instructions. When Mr. B, looking anxious, wandered the hallway and asked to borrow a clip to change the SIM card, Mr. A found this suspicious and reported it to the police direct line.
Motel owner Mr. A (right) is receiving a letter of appreciation for his contribution to preventing voice phishing crime. Gunpo Police Station, Gyeonggi Province
Recently, as cases of voice phishing involving self-confinement have become more frequent, Gunpo Police Station has shared pamphlets with warning messages and the police direct line number in advance with all lodging establishments as a preventive measure. Mr. A said, "When I suspected a crime, I thought I had to stop it as quickly as possible, so I called the direct line. I am glad I was able to help prevent a crime."
Kim Pyungil, Chief of Gunpo Police Station, said, "Preventing damage is just as important as making arrests, so we will continue to proactively respond to new criminal tactics through close cooperation with citizens."
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