Methods Targeting Government-Contracted Companies
Three Actual Cases Resulted in 80 Million Won in Losses
On January 19, Guro District in Seoul (District Mayor Jang Inhong) announced that it had filed a complaint with Guro Police Station on January 15 and requested an investigation in response to a voice phishing crime in which scammers impersonated public officials to demand money from government-contracted companies.
A banner warning against impersonation of public officials and forgery of official documents for voice phishing has been installed in front of the main gate of Guro District Office. Provided by Guro District Office.
This action is intended to demonstrate the district's commitment to responding strictly to increasingly sophisticated criminal activities by working with investigative authorities.
The methods used in these crimes are highly deceptive. Scammers impersonate district office employees to request the delivery of specific goods or induce transactions under the pretext of private contracts, approaching victims in various ways to demand money. In some cases, forged business cards or official documents are used. There have also been instances where impersonators used information about companies that had actually done business with the district office to gain trust.
Over the past year, the district identified a total of 19 cases of such crimes. Of these, in 16 cases, the companies suspected fraud in advance and checked with relevant authorities, thereby preventing losses. However, in 3 cases, a total of approximately 80 million won was actually transferred, resulting in financial damage. The district compiled these cases and submitted them to the police along with the complaint.
Until now, the district has carried out voice phishing prevention campaigns through various channels, including apartment media boards, banners at subway stations, and distributing information notices to suppliers. However, as the methods have become more sophisticated-such as forging official documents and luring third-party companies-the district determined that more substantial measures were necessary.
The district urged representatives of government-contracted companies, stating, "Public officials do not broker transactions with specific companies or request remittance of funds over the phone." They asked that, if anyone receives a similar call, they should always contact the relevant department at the district office to verify the facts.
For related inquiries, contact the Finance Division of the district office at 02-860-2713. More detailed information is also available on the Guro District Office website.
A Guro District official stated, "Voice phishing scams impersonating public officials are becoming increasingly sophisticated," and added, "We will continue to work closely with investigative agencies to respond strongly to these crimes and will further strengthen guidance and education to prevent damage."
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