Scams & Safety
Foreigners are a favorite target for money scams in Korea. Here’s how the common ones work, the one rule that stops most of them, and what to do if you’re hit.
Stay cautious — run the full checker if unsure.
What is voice phishing, and how do I spot it?
A caller pretends to be police, a prosecutor or your bank and pressures you to “protect” your money — usually by moving it to a “safe account” (안전계좌) or reading out a verification code. Real officials never ask for that. Hang up and call back on an official number.
Why is that? Scammers manufacture urgency and authority so you act before you think. No genuine agency asks you to transfer money to a “safe account,” install a remote-control app, or share an OTP or password.
How do fake texts and links (smishing) work?
Scam texts pose as a delivery service, a government payment, a wedding invite or your bank, with a link that installs malware or steals your login. Don’t tap links in unexpected texts — open the official app or site yourself.
Why is that? A single tap can install an app that reads your messages and drains accounts. Shortened or odd URLs, “your parcel is held,” or “click to claim support money” are classic lures, especially around holidays.
How does deposit and rental fraud work?
The costliest scams target your housing deposit: a “landlord” who doesn’t own the place, or a property mortgaged beyond its value. Always check the property register (등기부등본) and protect your deposit with address registration (전입신고 — for foreign residents, the 체류지 변경신고 report counts the same) plus a fixed-date stamp (확정일자).
Why is that? Your jeonse deposit can be the largest sum you hold in Korea, which makes it a target. The register and deposit-guarantee insurance (HUG) are your main defenses.
What do I do if I’ve been scammed?
Speed matters. Call your bank and 1332 (financial fraud) immediately to try to freeze the transfer, then report to police at 112 or online. Keep all messages, numbers and receipts as evidence.
Why is that? Banks can sometimes stop or recover a transfer if you act within minutes to hours. The financial-fraud hotline 1332 can help suspend the receiving account before the money is withdrawn.
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Common terms
Stay safe — the basics
- Never share codesNo OTP, password or PIN — to anyone, ever
- Never use a “safe account”Police and banks never ask you to move money for safety
- Don’t tap surprise linksOpen the official app or site yourself instead
- Verify the callerHang up and call the official number directly
- Check before a depositRead the property register (등기부등본), then register your address and get the fixed-date stamp (확정일자)
Frequently asked
Real police and prosecutors never call and tell you to move money or read out codes. Hang up and call 112 to check. It’s almost certainly a scam.
Don’t enter anything. If an app was installed, disconnect from the internet and delete the app (or factory-reset), change your passwords, watch your accounts, and call 118.
Yes. 112 and 1332 can arrange interpretation, and you can report online. Move quickly and keep evidence — screenshots, numbers and receipts.