South Korea Scams: Voice Phishing, Online & Investment Fraud Guide
Common scams in South Korea and how to report via the police ECRM portal, KISA 118, and your bank.
Emergency number: 112 (police), 118 (cyber/internet crime hotline) — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
South Korea has seen sustained growth in voice phishing (bosiing), online investment fraud, fake banking app scams, and romance-linked crypto schemes. The Korean National Police Agency operates the ECRM cybercrime portal (ecrm.police.go.kr), and KISA (Korea Internet & Security Agency) operates an internet crime hotline on 118. South Korean banks have implemented rapid-freeze procedures — contacting your bank and KISA's 118 line immediately after discovering a fraudulent transfer significantly improves the chance of recovery. The financial regulator FSS also publishes consumer fraud warnings.
Common scams
- Voice phishing (bosiing) — callers impersonating police, prosecutors, or banks
- Fake banking app overlays stealing credentials
- Investment and crypto fraud
- Online marketplace non-delivery
Tourist-specific scams
- Overcharging unlicensed taxis
- Counterfeit goods at tourist markets
Online shopping scams
- Fake banking apps and phishing impersonating major Korean banks
- Online shopping non-delivery via fake sites
- Remote-access fraud via fake customer service calls
Job scams
- Task scams via messaging apps
- Fake part-time job offers requiring upfront fees
Romance scams
- Dating-app romance and pig-butchering crypto investment grooming
Investment scams
- Fake trading platforms and unlicensed investment operators
- Crypto and 'AI bot' investment schemes
How to report a scam here
- Contact your bank immediately to freeze the account and request a transfer recall
- Call KISA on 118 to report internet crime and hacking incidents
- Report cybercrime via the police ECRM portal at ecrm.police.go.kr
- File a police report at your nearest police station or call 112
Local reporting & protection links
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Bank & payment guidance
Contact your bank immediately using the official number on your card or app — Korean banks have rapid-freeze procedures that are most effective within the first few minutes. Never install an app at the request of an unsolicited caller, even one claiming to be police or a bank.
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot all messages, profiles, websites and payment pages
- Save transaction references, account numbers and crypto wallet addresses
- Keep emails with full headers where possible
- Note dates, times, names and phone numbers used
Frequently asked questions
What is bosiing (voice phishing)?
Bosiing is a Korean term for voice phishing — scammers call impersonating prosecutors, police, or bank officials, claiming the victim is under investigation and must transfer money to a 'safe account'. Real law enforcement never instructs citizens to move money by phone.
What is the KISA 118 hotline?
118 is KISA's free internet crime consultation and reporting hotline. You can report hacking, phishing, spam, and voice phishing incidents and receive guidance on immediate steps to take.
How do I check if an investment firm is authorised in South Korea?
Check the Financial Services Commission (FSC) and Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) registers. Unlicensed investment operators are a major red flag and should be reported.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance