Recently, fraudulent activities impersonating managers or staff members of production companies have occurred in the entertainment industry, prompting agencies to issue warnings. Agencies representing trot singer Song Ga-in, actors Byun Woo-seok, Namgoong Min, and Ha Jung-woo have released cases of victims to raise awareness. The method is similar to the 'prepayment no-show'.
Song Ga-in's side, "Fraud impersonating a manager has occurred… urging caution"
Song Ga-in's agency, Jay J Star, recently reported that a 'proxy purchase' fraud method has occurred, where someone impersonates their staff to obtain money. The impersonator falsely claimed to be Song Ga-in's manager, approached small business owners under the pretext of meetings, and demanded, "If you prepare wine in advance, we will pay together at the meeting." The agency emphasized, "Our staff does not request money or purchase items from outside under any circumstances" and urged, "If you receive similar requests, do not send money or respond, and please verify whether it is indeed our staff."
Byun Woo-seok's side, "Fraud impersonating a manager has occurred… legal action expected"
Baro Entertainment, representing actor Byun Woo-seok, urged caution as fraudulent activities impersonating their staff have recently been reported trying to gain financial benefits. The impersonator claimed to be a manager of a represented entertainer, approached small business owners and companies, and demanded prepayment for specific products (mainly wine) under the pretext of meetings, subsequently cutting off contact once the preparations were completed in a 'no-show' method. The agency emphasized, "Please report to the police immediately if you fall victim to such activities."
Namgoong Min's agency, "Caution against fraud impersonating staff"
935 Entertainment, representing actor Namgoong Min, warned that fraudulent activities impersonating their staff to gain financial benefits have recently occurred. The impersonator posed as the manager of an artist represented by the agency, approached small business owners, and made high-value orders at various restaurants and wine companies under the pretext of meetings, then committing 'no-show' fraud. The agency stated, "Our staff and affiliates do not request any monetary transfers or purchase items under any circumstances" and emphasized, "If you receive similar requests, do not send money or respond, and if you become a victim, please report to the police immediately."
Ha Jung-woo's agency, "Fraud impersonating production company staff has occurred… legal action being prepared"
Workhouse Company, representing actor Ha Jung-woo, stated that they have received reports that someone impersonated a staff member of the production company for a project their actor is involved in, requesting advance payment for restaurant reservations and expensive alcoholic beverages. The agency emphasized, "Neither our artists nor the agency or related staff make such financial requests" and urged, "Please exercise special caution to avoid becoming a victim." They also noted, "We are currently thoroughly verifying these details and preparing a response plan for legal actions."
Agencies collectively stated that they do not request money or item purchases from external sources and reiterated that if similar requests are received or if a victimization occurs, they should report it to the police immediately.
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