Hello. This is the OOO manager. A 'no-show scam' impersonating celebrity managers is spreading throughout the entertainment industry. Starting with Song Ga-in, several agencies of stars such as Byun Woo-seok, Namgoong Min, and Ha Jung-woo have successively reported cases of impersonation and urged caution.
On the 14th, Sung Si-kyung's agency reported through its official account that there have been cases where individuals impersonated the production team of 'I Will Eat' to induce alcohol purchases or demand money.
Sung Si-kyung's side noted, "Our 'I Will Eat' team does not request alcohol purchases or monetary demands under any circumstances" and urged, "Please be cautious of scams, and if you have any questions, feel free to contact via Instagram DM or call Manager Hyun-soo if you know him," adding, "Fans, please make sure to tell the restaurant owner if you visit a restaurant featured on 'I Will Eat.'
This appears to be a case similar to the manager impersonation 'no-show scam' that has been spreading across the entertainment industry recently. The so-called 'no-show scam' refers to a crime where individuals impersonate celebrities to reserve high-priced food or items and then fail to show up without any contact, resulting in substantial financial losses for business owners.
Reports of similar scams have previously been shared by actor Byun Woo-seok's agency, Baro Entertainment. They stated, "Recently, instances have occurred where someone impersonated a manager of our celebrity to financially exploit small businesses such as restaurants and wine companies," adding, "The impersonator used the pretense of a gathering to lure businesses into prepaying for goods and then abruptly cut off all contact." The agency urged individuals to contact the police immediately if they are victimized.
Singer Song Ga-in's agency, J-STAR, also reported a recent 'proxy purchasing' scam where an individual impersonated their staff to fraudulently obtain money or goods. The impersonator falsely claimed to be Song Ga-in's manager and approached small businesses under the pretense of gatherings, stating, "If you prepare the wine in advance, I will pay together during the gathering."
Song Ga-in's agency stated, "Our employees do not ask for money or goods purchases under any circumstances," adding, "If you receive similar requests, do not send money or respond, and be sure to verify whether they are indeed our employees."
Actor Namgoong Min's agency, 935 Entertainment, and Ha Jung-woo's agency, Workhouse Company, also shared similar cases of victimization and revealed plans for legal action. They reported incidents such as "no-shows after ordering expensive wine" and "impersonating production company staff to induce prepayment for alcohol."
Meanwhile, such impersonation scams are relatively simple but occurring repeatedly, necessitating heightened public vigilance. Most agencies clearly state the principle that "we do not make monetary demands externally," reiterating the need to report any incidents to the police immediately.
[Photo] OSEN DB
[OSEN]