Significant Drop in Voice Phishing Cases Following Integrated Response Unit Launch

• •Voice phishing cases fell 31.6% after the launch of a dedicated response unit.
• •The unit blocked over 41,000 suspected phishing numbers within four months.
• •Financial damages from voice phishing decreased by 26.4% during the same period.

Voice phishing cases in South Korea decreased by 31.6% in the six months following the launch of the National Police Agency's Integrated Telecom Financial Fraud Response Unit. This unit was established in September 2025 to unify fragmented response systems across various government ministries. From October 2025 to February 2026, reported cases fell from 9,777 to 6,687, while financial damages dropped by 26.4%, from 525.8 billion won to 387 billion won. Notably, the typical year-end surge in phishing cases was broken, with a 27.9% decrease in the fourth quarter. The unit's success is attributed to improved reporting systems, a 24/7 response capability, and proactive measures like the emergency blocking system, which has blocked over 41,000 phishing numbers. The initiative has also involved collaboration with the Korea Internet & Security Agency and telecom carriers to detect and shut down malicious apps. Overall, the unit's policies have significantly reduced the impact of voice phishing crimes.