Scams & Safety
Foreigners are a common target for money scams in Korea. Here’s how the usual ones work, the habits that stop most of them, and what to do if it happens to you.
Stay cautious. Run the full checker if you’re not sure.
What is voice phishing, and how do I spot it?
A caller pretends to be police, a prosecutor or your bank, then pressures you to “protect” your money. Usually that means moving it to a “safe account” (안전계좌), or reading out a verification code. Real officials never ask for either. Hang up and call back on an official number.
Why is that? Scammers rush you, and they sound official while they do it. That’s the point: you move before you think. One more sign: being told to install a remote-control app. No genuine agency asks for that either.
How do fake texts and links (smishing) work?
Scam texts pose as a delivery notice, a government benefit, a wedding invitation or your bank. The link is there to install malware or steal your login. Don’t tap links in unexpected texts. Open the official app or site yourself.
Why is that? One tap can install an app that reads your messages and empties your accounts. The classic lures: a shortened or odd URL, “your parcel is on hold”, “tap to claim your government payout”. They spike around the holidays.
How does deposit and rental fraud work?
The scams that cost the most go after your housing deposit. Sometimes the “landlord” doesn’t own the place. Sometimes the property carries more debt than it’s worth. Always check the property register (등기부등본). Then protect the deposit: file your address report and get the fixed-date stamp (확정일자) on your contract. For foreign residents the address report is called 체류지 변경신고 (a change-of-residence report) rather than the 전입신고 Koreans file, and it counts the same.
Why is that? Your housing deposit is usually the biggest pot of money a scammer can reach in Korea. The register and deposit-guarantee insurance from HUG (the Korea Housing & Urban Guarantee Corporation) are your main defenses.
What do I do if I’ve been scammed?
Speed matters. Call your bank and 1332 (financial fraud) immediately to freeze the transfer, then report to police at 112 or online and file the written damage claim at the bank within 3 business days. Keep all messages, numbers and receipts as evidence.
Why is that? Banks can sometimes stop or recover a transfer. That only works if you call right away, within minutes or 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 codesDon’t share your OTP, password or PIN with anyone, ever
- Never use a “safe account”Police and banks never ask you to move money for safety
- Don’t tap unexpected linksOpen the official app or site yourself instead
- Verify the callerHang up and call the official number directly
- Check before you pay a housing 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 it, or factory-reset the phone. Then 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 your evidence: screenshots, numbers and receipts.