Why 13 Million-Subscriber YouTuber Tzuyang Warned, "Do Not Transfer Any Money Under Any Circumstances"

Warning About Fraudulent Impersonation Accounts
"Demanding Donations to Personal Bank Accounts"

Mukbang YouTuber Tzuyang, who has 13 million subscribers on YouTube, has warned fans about impersonation accounts and fraud schemes demanding money.

On February 3, Tzuyang posted a notice titled "Warning About TikTok Impersonation Accounts and Money-Demanding Scams" on the YouTube community tab. Tzuyang stated, "We have confirmed a scam in which people impersonate Tzuyang on short-form platforms such as TikTok, upload videos without permission, and then demand donations to a personal bank account."

YouTuber Tzuyang filming a Haengun Burger mukbang. Photo: YouTube capture

Tzuyang's side said, "The account in question is attempting to defraud an unspecified number of people by posting a bank account (Suhyup Bank) under the name of a third party who has no connection whatsoever to Tzuyang," and stressed, "Do not transfer any money under any circumstances."

They have already filed an emergency request with the platform to suspend all posts on the impersonation account. Tzuyang's side also explained that, under a zero-tolerance policy, they plan to pursue legal action, including criminal complaints and civil lawsuits. They added that the potential charges include "fraud and attempted fraud under the Criminal Act, violation of the Copyright Act (unauthorized use of videos), violation of the Information and Communications Network Act, and violation of the Unfair Competition Prevention Act (risk of confusion, infringement of publicity rights, and misappropriation of another person's work)."

The impersonation account that was made public contained Tzuyang's videos and photos posted without permission, and its profile listed a bank account number along with phrases such as "Tzuyang Fundraising Account for Neighbors in Need" and "Support Tzuyang."

TikTok impersonation account that posted Tzuyang's photos and videos without permission. YouTube capture

This is not the first time Tzuyang has been targeted in an impersonation scam. Previously, an impersonator who introduced themselves as Tzuyang or as a member of her filming crew called restaurants, ordered expensive wine, asked for advance payment of the cost, and then failed to show up, in what is known as a "no-show scam."

This "no-show scam" is a new type of voice phishing that exploits the act of making a reservation and then failing to appear without canceling, by demanding group orders or proxy purchases and then stealing the money.

At that time as well, Tzuyang's side urged caution, saying, "All official negotiations and arrangements for work are conducted only through the official email address registered on the channel."

Previously, through the Haengun Burger promotion, a product under which 100 won is donated for each burger sold, Tzuyang visited Seoul Asan Medical Center in Songpa District, Seoul, delivered a donation of 50 million won, and received a plaque of appreciation.