Fake Seoul Official Documents Sent to Pet Businesses Raising Fraud Concerns

The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced today (August 4) that fraudulent official documents bearing a forged official seal of the Seoul mayor have been sent to pet-related businesses such as veterinary clinics, pet grooming shops, and pet boarding facilities, raising concerns over potential scams.

According to the city, Seo, a pet grooming business owner, received a phone call at around 9:00 a.m. on July 31 from someone impersonating an official from the city's Animal Protection Division.

The impersonator asked if Seo had received an official document sent by mail regarding a security equipment installation support project for pet facilities. When Seo replied that no such document had been received, the caller sent a fake document and a business card for a security equipment installation company via text message.

The forged document claimed that under revisions to the Animal Protection Act, pet facilities are legally required to install security cameras, and failure to do so could result in administrative penalties such as fines.

It also included instructions stating that if the equipment is purchased in advance through a designated government-certified company, the full purchase cost would be reimbursed.

Suspecting the authenticity of the document, Seo asked the city to verify it, which revealed that the official document was fake. In addition, several similar impersonation incidents have been reported to autonomous districts.

The city has notified district offices, the Seoul Veterinary Medical Association, the Korea Kennel Federation, and other related organizations about the public institution impersonation incidents, asking them to guide related business owners to prevent damages.

In addition, the city requested an investigation by the Namdaemun Police Station, which has jurisdiction over the area.

Kim Young-hwan, head of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Garden City Bureau, said that special caution is required if official documents under the name of public institutions demand the purchase of goods or advance payment of expenses.

He also urged that anyone receiving such suspicious documents, calls, text messages, or emails should not provide personal information, purchase equipment, or sign contracts, but instead report them to the police or the responsible department of the Seoul Metropolitan Government.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.