The application for the 'consumer recovery coupon' has begun, and within just one day, movements to resell it are emerging. Some dermatology clinics are actively promoting beauty treatments by revealing that they are 'places that accept consumer coupons.'
According to comprehensive coverage by ChosunBiz on the 23rd, posts aiming to cash in coupons appeared on online secondhand trading platforms such as carrot and local communities. This involves selling a prepaid card loaded with 150,000 won for 130,000 won. It has been observed that some are trying to secure cash even if it means incurring a loss by selling prepaid cards with consumer coupons for a lower amount.
The current consumer coupons can be received through local love gift certificates, credit/check cards, and prepaid cards. Local love gift certificates can only be used at designated places set by local governments, while credit/check cards and prepaid cards can be used at traditional markets, neighborhood marts, restaurants, clothing stores, beauty salons, optical shops, academies, pharmacies, and clinics with annual sales below 3 billion won. They can also be used at franchise stores such as convenience stores, bakeries, cafes, and chicken places.
However, large marts, department stores, duty-free shops, and corporate supermarkets cannot accept them in company-owned and franchise stores. Large foreign stores like Apple and electronics retailers like Hi-Mart are also not allowed. Some are attempting to purchase desired items at places not designated for coupon use, such as large electronics stores, after cashing in consumer coupons.
Contrary to the intention of recovering people's livelihoods, some dermatology clinics are actively promoting aesthetic procedures such as Botox, fillers, and lifting by using the phrase 'available for treatment with consumer coupons.' For dermatology clinics with annual sales below 3 billion won that have recently opened, consumer coupons can be used even if the purpose is not for treatment.
A representative from a dermatology clinic in Seoul said, 'We are offering an additional 10% discount when paying with consumer coupons,' and advised, 'If you have a desired treatment, please visit us for a consultation.'
When asked by a reporter if there are many people wanting to receive treatments with consumer coupons, they said, 'Due to many reservations, we may not be able to schedule appointments this month depending on the type of treatment.'
Small business owners and self-employed individuals are urging people to use consumer coupons in accordance with the original intention.
A representative from the Korea Federation of Micro Enterprise (KFME) stated, 'Interest is needed to ensure that the depressed local economy can recover by using coupons at local small businesses,' and added, 'If they are used at dermatology clinics or famous electronics brands, it undermines the government's intention to revitalize local alley businesses.'
The government has begun actions to block the illegal distribution of consumer coupons, including cashing them in. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety plans to strengthen monitoring to prevent personal transactions in online communities, as well as to conduct spot checks on franchise stores through the establishment of 'illegal distribution reporting centers' in each local government.
On the other hand, if one cashes in consumer coupons, they may have to return all or part of the support amount according to the 'Subsidy Management Act.' Along with the imposition of additional monetary sanctions, future subsidy payments may also be limited.
If one engages in fraudulent use, such as accepting consumer coupons received by credit card under the guise of selling goods, they can face up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 20 million won according to the 'Specialized Credit Financial Business Act.'