Fake Officials Issue Bogus Official Documents and Posters in Scam Attempt

Authorities have issued a warning following a series of voice phishing and scam attempts in which fraudsters impersonated officials from Gangwon State to trick victims into purchasing fire safety equipment under the false promise of a full cost refund.

Gangwon State announced today (October 21) that it has issued an advisory to cities, counties, and related businesses across the province after confirming multiple recent cases of fraud involving fake official documents and individuals posing as officials from the Safety Policy Division.

The scam ring deceived business owners by claiming that they were legally required to install fire safety equipment such as air respirators and heat-resistant suits, threatening them with fines or business suspension if they failed to comply.

Investigators found that the fraudsters used a "pre-installation, post-refund" tactic, telling businesses to purchase and install the fire equipment first, promising that the full cost would be reimbursed later, only to pocket the money.

In particular, the perpetrators used forged official documents complete with the official seal of the Governor of Gangwon State to deceive victims into believing it was an official administrative notice.

After numerous similar scams targeted lodging facilities across the province in August, the provincial government filed a complaint with the Gangwon Provincial Police Agency, and is taking further action by filing additional complaints regarding the latest incidents.

Choi Soon-chil, head of the Safety Policy Division, urged vigilance, stating, "Government officials never induce the purchase of fire safety facilities or demand advance payments. Even if presented with official documents or business cards, do not blindly trust them and be sure to verify the facts with the responsible department at the provincial office."

(Photo provided by Gangwon State, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.