Korea's National Police Agency has issued a nationwide "urgent phishing alert" as a wave of scam attempts exploiting Middle East instability — ranging from war-related investment lures to fake flight cancellation messages — continues to surface.
The agency's Integrated Response Unit for Telecommunications Financial Fraud said Wednesday that an analysis of reports and tips filed with the 1394 hotline identified three major phishing scenarios exploiting the Middle East situation.
The most common tactic involves investment fraud using so-called "war beneficiary stocks" as bait. Scammers send mass text messages claiming to "guarantee high returns on oil and defense-related stocks," luring victims with promises of principal protection and loss coverage. They then draw victims into messenger-based investment chat rooms, push them to sign up on fake trading platforms and steal their funds.
Smishing disguised as flight cancellations has also been detected. Exploiting airspace restrictions over the Middle East, fraudsters send text messages stating "your flight has been canceled" along with links purportedly for rebooking or refunds. Clicking the links redirects victims to fake airline or travel agency websites designed to harvest credit card details and other personal information.
Cases exploiting public anxiety and goodwill are also rising. These include romance scams in which fraudsters pose as doctors or soldiers stationed in the Middle East before requesting money transfers, as well as bait messages that demand personal information under the guise of providing intelligence on the international situation. There is also a high likelihood of scams impersonating international relief organizations to solicit donations, or fraudulent schemes disguised as government programs such as "fuel cost subsidies" and "emergency loans for small business owners."
Police said these crimes are a recurring pattern that emerges whenever international crises occur. While no actual victims have been reported so far, authorities are taking preemptive measures including swiftly blocking related phone numbers and URLs.
The agency also stressed prevention guidelines. Police said any solicitation promising principal protection or high returns on war beneficiary stocks while requesting deposits to personal accounts is fraud. They emphasized that flight cancellations should only be verified through official apps or airline customer service numbers. They also urged the public never to comply with requests for personal information or money that play on fear or sympathy.
"Scammers are exploiting public anxiety and goodwill arising from international crises," said Shin Hyo-seop, head of the Integrated Response Unit. "The best response is to never click links in text messages from unknown sources and to immediately disconnect if something seems suspicious." He added, "If you suspect a phishing crime, you should immediately call 1394 or 112 for assistance."
