Hello! This is [Name], an advisor from the National Police Agency's Cybercrime Countermeasures Division. Smartphones make our daily lives so much more convenient and have become indispensable to our lives. However, unfortunately, malicious individuals lurk behind this convenience. Junior high and high school students who are just starting to use smartphones, and the elderly who are confused by unfamiliar operations, are particularly vulnerable. Today, I'll discuss the increasing online scams and cybercrime tactics, along with crucial points for protecting yourself.
Beware of Sweet Temptations! The Frightening Tactics of 'Dark Part-time Jobs'
'Dark part-time jobs,' which lure people with sweet promises like 'easy money' and 'high income,' have become a social problem. They are often advertised on social media (SNS), so caution is necessary. If you get involved even once, your life will be ruined.
- ▸① **Finding Sweet Promises on SNS**: You'll see job postings on SNS like Twitter (X) and Instagram, or on internet bulletin boards, that look easy, such as 'high income in a short time' or 'just transporting packages.'
- ▸② **Suspicious Communication Methods**: If you apply, you'll be told to use highly anonymous chat apps like LINE or Telegram.
- ▸③ **Unknowingly Becoming a Criminal**: If you follow instructions, you'll unknowingly become involved in crimes such as being a 'receiver' (receiving money from scams), a 'drawer' (withdrawing money from ATMs), or even robbery. Even if you start with a light heart, you'll quickly find yourself in a situation you can't escape.
- ▸④ **Threatened and Unable to Quit**: Once you hand over personal information (such as identification documents), you'll be threatened with harm to your family or having them show up at your house, making it impossible to quit even if you want to.
- ▸⑤ **Arrest and Regret Await**: The police will always catch those involved in dark part-time jobs. If arrested, you face imprisonment (going to jail) and substantial compensation payments to victims. A job started lightly can destroy your future and even your family's lives.
Excuses like 'I didn't know' or 'I'll be fine' won't work with the police. If you feel even slightly suspicious, stop immediately. Your life is not so cheap as to be exchanged for such paltry sums of money. Always consult with your parents, teachers, or other trustworthy adults.
Beware of 'Suspicious Messages' Arriving on Your Smartphone! ~Phishing Scams~
Recently, a particularly common scam is 'phishing,' where messages are sent pretending to be delivery services, banks, or famous stores, attempting to steal your valuable information.
- ▸① **Fake Messages Arrive**: Messages designed to make you click, such as 'Your package couldn't be delivered,' 'Your account has been locked,' or 'Membership information has not been updated,' are sent via SMS (short message service) or email.
- ▸② **Redirected to a Fake Site**: Tapping on the URL (address) in the message will take you to a fake website that looks exactly like the real one.
- ▸③ **Prompted to Enter Information**: On the fake site, you'll be prompted to enter your ID, password, credit card number, and other personal information.
- ▸④ **Information is Stolen**: The information you enter will directly fall into the hands of criminals, who will then make unauthorized purchases or steal your money.
High Bills Without You Knowing?! ~Unauthorized Online Game Charges~
There's an increasing number of consultations about children or grandchildren unknowingly incurring high charges while playing games on their parents' smartphones or tablets.
- ▸① **Engaged in Games**: Children or grandchildren enjoy online games on smartphones or tablets.
- ▸② **Easy Charging**: Wanting in-game items, they take advantage of their parents' registered credit card information or payment methods to make unauthorized purchases.
- ▸③ **Suddenly High Bills**: Later, parents receive an unexpectedly high bill from the credit card company or mobile phone carrier for unknown charges, only then realizing the unauthorized spending.
Absolute Checkpoints to Avoid Being Deceived
- ✓If a story promises 'easy money,' first assume it's a scam.
- ✓Do not immediately open messages from unknown people, or emails/SMS containing URLs (addresses).
- ✓Never apply for 'high-income part-time jobs' found on SNS or similar platforms.
- ✓Do not casually enter or share important personal information such as IDs, passwords, or credit card details.
- ✓When lending your smartphone to children or family members, ensure that password settings for game purchases are securely enabled.
If You Become a Victim
If you think 'something's wrong?', never keep it to yourself. Consult with family members or trustworthy individuals around you, and then contact specialized agencies immediately.
For consumer troubles, please call the **Consumer Hotline '188'**. It will connect you to your nearest consumer affairs center. For consultations regarding crime victimization or cybercrime, please use the **Police Consultation Hotline '#9110'**. If you notice unauthorized use of your credit card, contact your card company immediately to suspend its use.