As the Lunar New Year holiday approaches, the government on the 19th urged caution against phishing messages that disguise themselves as year-end tax adjustments, fines or penalty inquiries, or holiday gifts.
According to data on text message scams detected by relevant authorities from 2022 to 2024, the most common type involved impersonation of public institutions, accounting for approximately 1.62 million cases (59.4%). Additionally, account hijacking scams impersonating social network services (SNS) companies (16.9%) and impersonations of acquaintances (15.5%) also increased.
There is considerable concern over the spread of malicious messages during the Lunar New Year period that induce users to check fines, penalties, or year-end tax refunds. Caution is also needed against “quishing” using QR codes.
The government recommends avoiding clicking on URLs from unsolicited delivery notices or payment requests and using services like the National Police Agency’s ‘Suspicious Internet Scam Phone Number/Account Number Inquiry Service.’
The Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korea Internet & Security Agency are operating a 24-hour text message scam detection system, and the Korea Communications Commission (KCC), in cooperation with the three major mobile carriers, will send out cautionary messages.
Financial authorities are also expanding promotions for enhanced security services, and the police plan rapid response measures through prompt reporting of incidents.
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