Voice Phishing Scams Impersonating Officials Target Businesses with Fake Fire Safety Documents

Overview of the Scam

Voice phishing scams impersonating government officials have been reported in South Korea's Gangwon Province. The scammers falsely claim that fire safety equipment installation is mandatory and use forged documents to deceive businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises and accommodation facilities.

How the Scam Works

False Notification

Scammers impersonate government officials and make false claims such as:

• Fire safety equipment (air respirators, flame-resistant gear, etc.) installation is legally mandatory
• Failure to install results in administrative penalties, fines, or business suspension

Forced Purchase Demand

Under the pretext of inspection, fraudsters demand the installation of fire safety equipment.

"Prepay Now, Refund Later" Scheme

Scammers manipulate targets with these false promises:

• Purchase and install the fire safety equipment immediately
• Full reimbursement will be provided afterward
• No refund actually occurs; the company's money is stolen

Building False Credibility

Fraudsters establish fake legitimacy by:

• Impersonating provincial government officials
• Presenting forged official documents
• Displaying counterfeit government seals

This leads businesses to believe they are receiving genuine government directives.

Warning Signs

Suspicious Contact Characteristics

• Sudden calls or messages claiming to be from officials promoting fire equipment purchases
• Urgent inspection notices arriving by phone or email
• Documents or business cards presented unilaterally with demands

How to Protect Yourself

Always Verify:

• Never trust documents, business cards, or official seals at face value
• Always contact the relevant government department directly using an independently verified phone number
• Confirm the authenticity of any notice through official channels

Key Principles:

• Legitimate government officials never request prepayment for equipment purchases
• Authentic government notices can be verified through multiple official channels
• Pressure to make immediate decisions is a classic fraud tactic

Where to Report

Contact these resources if you suspect fraud:

• Local government safety department (verify the phone number independently)
• Police (fraud investigation)
• Consumer protection agencies

If you receive a suspicious communication, do not make any payment. Always verify through official government channels first.