A new voice phishing method has emerged that uses a video call to show someone in a police uniform and swindle large sums, prompting caution.
According to the Ulsan Bukbu Police Station on the 22nd, on the 15th a woman in her 70s, identified as A, who lives in Jung District, Ulsan, received a call from someone posing as a bank employee.
The impersonator asked, "There is someone trying to withdraw cash from your account. Money is about to be withdrawn from your account—may we proceed?" Startled, A said, "I never authorized a withdrawal. No."
The impersonator then said, "To prevent similar damage and catch the culprit, I will connect you with a police officer," and hung up.
A video call came in immediately, and a person in a police uniform appeared. The video showed about three people in police uniforms sitting at desks, and even a Taegeukgi was hanging in the background as if it were a real police station office.
Reassured by the video, the woman installed a malicious app and a remote-control app on her mobile phone as instructed by the police impersonator.
After confirming the apps were installed, the fake police officer advised, "Someone from the Financial Supervisory Service or a prosecutor may call to verify," and hung up. About 10 minutes later, A received a call from someone posing as an employee of the Financial Supervisory Service.
Members of the group posing as the Financial Supervisory Service and as a prosecutor said, "For a full audit of the funds, you need to purchase gold bars," and had her cancel a time deposit worth 1 billion won. They deceived the victim by saying, "Gold is a safe asset, so it is necessary."
In the end, A went to the bank to cancel the time deposit containing 1 billion won. However, a bank employee, finding it suspicious that A was suddenly trying to withdraw a large sum, reported it to the police, preventing the loss.
Reports that people nearly fell for this scheme were confirmed at least three times in Ulsan in October, including A's case, and related inquiries are said to be continuing.