Surge in Phishing Scams Targeting Chuseok Holiday in South Korea

• •Phishing scams impersonating holiday messages are increasing ahead of Chuseok.
• •Victims risk financial loss through malicious apps and money laundering schemes.
• •Authorities advise using official channels for currency exchange and verifying suspicious messages.

As the Chuseok holiday approaches, South Korea's financial authorities and communications regulator have warned the public about an increase in phishing scams. These scams often impersonate holiday-related messages, such as gift deliveries and support payments, to lure victims into clicking malicious links. The scams can lead to the installation of harmful apps that steal personal and financial information. Additionally, individuals trading leftover foreign currency after traveling may unknowingly become involved in money laundering schemes. Scammers often offer attractive exchange rates to entice sellers, leading to the deposit of funds linked to voice-phishing victims. Authorities recommend verifying any suspicious messages through official channels and trading foreign currency only through financial institutions. The KCC and KISA are collaborating to enhance spam filtering and provide reporting mechanisms for victims.