Smartphones are truly convenient and enjoyable, aren't they? Connecting with family and friends, shopping, looking up information... they've become indispensable to our daily lives. However, behind this convenience, it's also true that malicious individuals are lurking, targeting our personal information and valuable money. In particular, junior high and high school students, as well as seniors who have just started using smartphones, can be easy targets. This time, based on the latest information released by the National Consumer Affairs Center and the National Police Agency, let's together examine the rapidly increasing dangerous schemes and methods to protect yourself and your family!
The rapidly increasing methods of 'Fake Message Scams'
You might receive messages on your smartphone that look exactly like genuine ones, such as 'delivery attempt notices' from courier services, 'notifications' from government offices, or 'important alerts' from banks. This is what we call 'Fake Message Scams.' You might be tempted to open them immediately, but please wait!
- ▸① Suddenly, alarming messages are sent, such as 'We couldn't deliver your package,' 'Your usage fees are unpaid,' or 'Your money is being targeted.'
- ▸② The message contains an internet address (URL) and urges you to click on it with phrases like 'Click here for details.'
- ▸③ If you click on this address, you will be redirected to a fake website that looks exactly like the real one, where you will be prompted to enter your name, address, bank account number, credit card information, passwords, and other details, which will then be stolen.
Never get involved! The terrifying allure of 'Dark Part-Time Jobs'
Lured by sweet words like 'Earn a lot of money quickly' or 'High income for simple tasks,' people casually apply for 'Dark Part-Time Jobs.' This is by no means a normal part-time job. It is a gateway to terrifying crimes that will ruin your life.
- ▸① Job postings with enticing phrases like 'high reward,' 'same-day cash,' or 'side job' are advertised on social networking sites (SNS) and anonymous bulletin boards.
- ▸② The job descriptions appear simple, such as 'just receive packages,' 'just transport documents,' or 'just operate a smartphone,' concealing the true details.
- ▸③ However, if you apply and get involved even once, you will be forced to 'assist' in serious crimes, such as acting as a 'receiver' for fraudulent money, an 'extractor' withdrawing money from ATMs, or even as an 'actual perpetrator' of robbery.
They see you as nothing more than a disposable 'pawn.' Using the personal information you provided when applying as leverage, they will threaten you, saying 'We'll harm your family' or 'We'll expose you to your school or company,' and they won't let you stop committing crimes until you are caught by the police. What awaits you in the end is arrest by the police, imprisonment, and immense claims for damages to the victims. You gain absolutely nothing. Your future will be destroyed. Absolutely do not fall for any sweet temptations!
Essential Checkpoints to Avoid Being Deceived
- ✓Make sure you never click on internet addresses written in messages or emails from unknown numbers or senders.
- ✓If you are asked for personal information or login details, first suspect it might be a scam.
- ✓If you hear promises like 'easy money' or 'a good deal,' assume it's a scam and immediately consult with family or a trusted person.
- ✓Even if you receive unfamiliar bills or are asked for identification, never hand them over or transfer money.
- ✓Ensure your smartphone has security software installed and kept up-to-date.
If You Fall Victim
If you feel anxious, thinking 'Did I perhaps get scammed?' or 'I applied for a dark part-time job, but I want to get out,' don't worry alone; please seek advice immediately. The sooner you act, the more the damage can be minimized. Even if you find it difficult to talk to your family, there are always places you can rely on.
Please call the Consumer Hotline (toll-free **188**) or the Police Consultation Service (special line **#9110**). If you suspect unauthorized use of your credit card, contact your card company immediately. We, the National Police Agency's Cyber Crime Division, are working to protect everyone's safety. When you're in trouble, please don't hesitate to reach out.