[WARNING] Smartphone Beginners Targeted! How to Protect Yourself from the Latest Online Scams and 'Dark Part-time Jobs'

Hello everyone! I'm Shemihaza, a Sentinel. Smartphones are wonderful tools that make our lives so much more convenient, aren't they? Unfortunately, there are many bad people who take advantage of this convenience to try and deceive us. Beginners, especially junior high/high school students who have just started using smartphones, and elderly people who are confused by unfamiliar operations, need to be careful. This time, based on recent information from the National Consumer Affairs Center and the National Police Agency, I'll gently explain the latest online scams and cybercrime tactics that smartphone beginners are susceptible to, and ways to protect yourself.

Online Scam Methods Currently on the Rise

• ▸**① Fake Message Scams (Phishing Scams / Fake Billing Scams)** These are scams that can target anyone. Scammers impersonate commonly used companies or public offices such as delivery services, banks, power companies, or tax authorities, and send fake messages (SMS or email). These messages often contain alarming phrases like 'Your package couldn't be delivered,' 'Your payment is overdue,' or 'Your taxes are unpaid.' They then try to get you to tap on a link (URL) saying 'Access here.' Once you access it, you'll be redirected to a fake website that looks identical to the real one, where you'll be prompted to enter your ID, password, credit card information, etc. This method is used to steal personal information, trick you into buying electronic money without your knowledge, or defraud you of money.
• ▸**② Fake Warning Scams on PC Screens (Tech Support Scams)** These scams are particularly common among the elderly. While browsing the internet, a bright red warning screen might suddenly pop up saying 'Your computer is infected with a virus!', or a loud warning sound might blare. This screen displays a fake phone number, urging you to 'Call here immediately!' If you call, you'll be cleverly manipulated into allowing remote control of your computer or instructed to buy electronic money cards at a convenience store and provide the numbers, resulting in you being scammed out of a large sum of money.
• ▸**③ Sweet-Talk Investment Scams via SNS** These scams target anyone, regardless of age. You might be enticed by sweet words from someone you met on social media or dating apps, saying things like, 'There's an investment that guarantees profit,' or 'There's an easy side job that offers high income.' Initially, they'll build trust by chatting amiably or even fostering romantic feelings. Then, they'll recommend things like, 'You can profit if you invest with this app,' or 'Let's try with a small amount first.' If you transfer money as instructed, they might initially make it seem like you've made a small profit, but ultimately, you'll be defrauded of a large sum, and lose contact with the person.
• ▸**④ Dangerous Invitations to 'Dark Part-time Jobs' (Ura-Baito/Yami-Baito)** These are crimes that junior high/high school students and young people are particularly susceptible to, and you must absolutely never get involved. You might be lured into a 'dark part-time job' (ura-baito), which involves assisting in criminal activities, through attractive words on social media or bulletin boards like 'high income,' 'easy money,' or 'simple tasks anyone can do.' Messages will try to conceal the true nature of the work, claiming it's 'just carrying packages' or 'not a special fraud.' However, once you apply, they'll demand personal information such as your ID, and use that information as leverage to threaten you ('If you quit, we'll harm your family,' or 'We'll expose you as a criminal') forcing you to participate in serious crimes like robbery or fraud. While 'dark part-time jobs' might seem like a lucrative opportunity at first glance, it's a trap set by criminal groups who intend to use you as a disposable pawn. Once you step in, there might be no turning back. If you get arrested, your future will be ruined. Your high school and university life, and all your dreams for the future, will all come to nothing. The police won't accept the excuse 'I didn't know.' Imagine how sad your parents and those around you would be. The smiles of your family and your fun memories with friends might be lost forever. If you suspect anything even slightly, absolutely do not get involved! Please be brave and consult someone you trust.

Absolute Checkpoints to Avoid Being Deceived

• ✓If you feel even slightly that 'something is off,' don't agonize alone; always consult a trusted adult or family member immediately.
• ✓Absolutely do not tap on URLs (links) in messages from unknown senders or suspicious advertisements.
• ✓Even if a warning screen appears saying 'Your computer is infected with a virus' or 'You must pay money,' do not call in a panic, and do not buy electronic money as instructed.
• ✓Sweet words like 'easy high income' or 'guaranteed profit' should make you thoroughly question if there's a scam or crime hidden behind them.
• ✓If you are asked to enter personal information (such as ID, password, or credit card number), carefully confirm if it's the official website and if two-factor authentication is enabled.

If You Become a Victim

If you ever get caught up in these scams or crimes, please absolutely do not blame yourself. And it's crucial to consult someone as soon as possible. Please call the Consumer Hotline (dial **188** without an area code) or the Police Consultation Service (dial **#9110** without an area code). If your credit card has been used fraudulently, contact your card company immediately. Don't bear it alone; rely on us Sentinels. Let's find a way to resolve it together.