The government has started the use of consumption coupons introduced to help recover people's livelihoods. However, misinformation online is spreading, and the complicated usage criteria are causing confusion on the ground. In particular, there have been instances of usage that deviates from the intent of the system.
According to the related industries on the 27th, the 'Livelihood Recovery Consumption Coupon' (hereafter consumption coupon) promoted by the government can only be used at small businesses with annual sales of 3 billion won or less, excluding large discount stores, department stores, and entertainment venues. Even within the same franchise, it cannot be used at direct management stores, only at franchise locations. Although they may appear to be 'neighborhood stores', there are cases where actual sales exceed the threshold, making it difficult for consumers to distinguish.
Blog posts and social media (SNS) posts summarizing and sharing the complex conditions of consumption coupon use are also pouring in. However, this information often differs greatly, further confusing consumers.
In this situation, a post circulated on social media claiming that it was possible to buy Apple AirPods at some convenience stores. The post stated that you could purchase AirPods with consumption coupons at a convenience store that is an official Apple retailer. However, it has been confirmed that the store has ended its official sales agreement with Apple, and orders for Apple products, excluding charging cables, are no longer possible.
Additionally, various SNS platforms shared photos of bulk purchases of cigarettes using consumption coupons, leading to sarcastic comments that 'the government has provided smoking subsidies.' There have also been situations involving what is known as 'transaction of cash' through platforms like Carrot.
In response, the government has also issued a warning against the discounted sale of consumption coupons. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety has requested local governments and platforms to strengthen monitoring regarding attempts at consumption coupon transactions via online secondhand transaction platforms.
Meanwhile, the Korean National Police Agency's National Investigation Headquarters plans to conduct a special crackdown on the illegal distribution of consumption coupons until the usage deadline at the end of November, targeting ▲ so-called 'card transaction of cash' ▲ false sales ▲ personal direct transaction fraud ▲ and transfer to others.