Sokcho Coast Guard Impersonation Case:
Fake Official Document Sent to Demolition Company
Strengthening Cooperation with Local Community and Related Organizations to Prevent Recurrence
Recently, as crimes involving the forgery of official documents have become rampant, there was a case in Sokcho, Gangwon Province, where someone impersonated the Coast Guard in an attempt to fraudulently obtain money.
On August 9, the Sokcho Coast Guard Station announced that a demolition company in the Sokcho area had received an official document titled "Plan for Removal of Smoking Booths in Sokcho Coast Guard Office."
The document instructed the recipient to review the details regarding the removal and disposal of smoking booths in the office building for the year 2025 and to proceed according to the relevant procedures. It stated that the planned budget was 1.05 million won and that the work was scheduled for August 11. The document included forged government office names, logos, and official seals.
However, the Sokcho Coast Guard confirmed that it had never issued such a document. Fortunately, the demolition company found the document suspicious and checked its authenticity with the Sokcho Coast Guard, so no further damage occurred.
The Sokcho Coast Guard stated that, in response to this incident, it plans to strengthen cooperation with the local community and related organizations to prevent impersonation of government agencies and to expand public awareness activities. A representative from the Sokcho Coast Guard said, "Official Coast Guard documents are sent only through the electronic document system or official procedures," and added, "We never request money or direct bank transfers, so if you receive a suspicious contact, please verify it with the agency immediately."
Meanwhile, there has been a series of recent cases in which people attempt to obtain money by forging official documents or commit "no-show scams." On August 4, an individual impersonating an employee of the Sangjokam County Park Office in Goseong, South Gyeongsang Province, tried to induce a local construction company to deposit payment for a dehumidifier. On July 30, there was another case in Gwangju where fake business cards, forged official IDs, and counterfeit official documents were used to induce private companies to purchase goods or sign supply contracts, leading to a police investigation. Confirmed cases include eight instances of forged official documents and three cases of forged official IDs.
Government agencies have urged the public to: ▲ always call the relevant agency directly to verify the authenticity of any official document or purchase request received by fax or mobile phone; ▲ immediately report to the police if a public official requests cash, fees, or payment to a third party, as this is 100% a scam; ▲ and immediately contact 112 or the relevant local government if you receive any suspicious contact or document.
Additionally, experts advise that, to prevent "impersonation no-show scams," small business owners should take their own preventive measures, such as requiring deposits, notifying customers of penalty clauses, and keeping records of calls and text messages.
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