The Korea Media and Communications Commission said on the 27th that, ahead of preorders for the Galaxy Z8 series, exaggerated ads related to subsidies and freebies by some mobile phone retailers are increasing, requiring users to exercise particular caution.
The Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Flip8, part of the Galaxy Z8 series, will go through preorders from the 28th to Aug. 3 and launch on Aug. 7.
According to the Korea Media and Communications Commission (KMCC), some retailers have recently been inducing preorders by promising high subsidies or guiding customers on various freebies through preorder alerts even before contracts are signed.
The Korea Media and Communications Commission (KMCC) expressed concern that users may suffer losses if promised subsidies are not paid or freebies are not provided when they visit a retailer to activate a phone or complete activation procedures online. The Korea Information & Communication Promotion Association (KAIT) has been operating a retailer workforce registration system since May to verify the selling party, and advised users to check the prior consent form and the retailer worker ID when visiting a store. It said users must verify the retailer and the selling party that ran the advertisement at the time of preorder to clearly determine who is responsible for the sale.
Users should also check the subsidies and other items specified in the contract. If the subsidies and freebies promised by the retailer are not included in the contract, users may not receive them.
The Korea Media and Communications Commission (KMCC) explained that if users suffer losses due to incomplete sales during the preorder period or activation process—such as nonpayment of subsidies or failure to provide a contract—they can file a report through the "user participation reporting system" website of the User Protection Association (KCUP).
KMCC Chair Kim Jong-cheol said, "During the preorder period, rather than rushing into a contract based solely on subsidy information presented by retailers, users should carefully check the terms specified in the actual contract," adding, "If you suspect damage from "Director" or false advertising, please report it immediately through the user participation reporting system."