A financial fraud scheme aimed at stealing the entire fortune of an octogenarian by tricking her into believing that handing over 100 million won would secure lifelong care and funeral arrangements was foiled by a vigilant post office employee.

The Korea Post announced that Yoon Eun-bi, a staff member working at the financial service counter of the Busan Goejeong-dong Post Office, prevented financial damage for an 80-year-old female customer, A, who visited the counter on October 28.

Customer A visited the post office with an acquaintance, requested the early termination of a 100 million won time deposit, and asked to transfer the full amount to the accompanying acquaintance's account.

Suspecting the sudden cancellation of a large deposit, Yoon asked for the reason behind the termination.

In response, A explained that the accompanying acquaintance promised to take care of her for the rest of her life and even handle her funeral and grave maintenance in exchange for 100 million won.

Recognizing that it was a scam targeting the elderly, Yoon based her judgment on the fact that an unnotarized will of unknown origin was presented along with the suspicious circumstances between the two individuals.

Displaying quick thinking, Yoon bought time by explaining regulations regarding large-scale withdrawals and immediately reported the incident to the police.

Yoon remained calm despite the accompanying person's fierce protests, which continued until police arrived at the scene, and detailed the situation to the dispatching officers, successfully preventing 100 million won in financial losses.

Yoon added that given the increasing number of scams targeting the elderly, she always remains vigilant while handling routine duties, and expressed relief at being able to protect a customer's precious lifetime assets.

(Photo provided by Korea Post, Yonhap News)