The Korea Consumer Agency (KCA) recently warned consumers that cases are surging in which people buy used phones online but do not receive the products.
According to the KCA on the 23rd, applications filed with the agency this year for relief related to used smartphones were around a dozen per month, but jumped to 22 in September, 33 in October, and 53 from Nov. 1 to 17.
This appears to be because a major online used phone seller is not sending products after taking orders and is delaying refunds.
The company said on its website that deliveries were delayed due to tighter customs clearance standards and that shipments are now going out stably. It said sales have been scaled back or halted, 2,600 orders were refunded over the past three months, and operations will return to normal within this month.
To prevent the spread of damage, the KCA has notified the local government with jurisdiction over the business operator and the operator's illegal acts and has requested corrective action.
Applications filed with the KCA for relief related to used smartphones over the past three years, from 2022 to September this year, totaled 349 cases, and have increased every year.
Cases related to "quality," such as defective displays or malfunctions, numbered 156 (44.7%), while "contract"-related cases, such as non-delivery or refusal to accept a withdrawal of subscription, numbered 143 (41%).
In particular, contract-related cases rose to 51 this year, up 50% from the same period a year earlier (34).
By age group, people in their 40s accounted for the most cases at 94 (28%), and the largest share by type was e-commerce with 215 cases. The average purchase amount was about 500,000 won.
The KCA advised consumers to verify the seller's identity information before buying a used smartphone, to use a credit card rather than cash or bank transfer, and to keep transaction-related supporting documents in case of disputes.