Complete Anti-Scam Guide for South Korea: How to Identify Scams, Report to Police, and Recover Funds (2026 Edition)
Covers all scam types in South Korea including 보이스피싱 (voice phishing), investment fraud, romance scams, online shopping scams, and cryptocurrency scams. Detailed instructions for reporting via 112 police, 사이버안전국 (Cyber Bureau), 1332 금융감독원 (Financial Supervisory Service), 118 KISA, and 1372 consumer hotline, plus the 전기통신금융사기 피해금 환급 (Telecommunications Financial Fraud Victim Fund Refund) recovery process.
After falling victim to an online scam in South Korea, many people don't know where to turn, whom to report to, or how to recover their losses. This handbook is the most comprehensive anti-scam operations guide for South Korea, covering everything from identifying scams and collecting evidence to reporting to the police and recovering funds. If you live, work, or study in South Korea, bookmark this guide.
1. Online Scam Landscape in South Korea (2026)
South Korea has one of the highest internet penetration rates in the world, which also makes it a hotspot for online fraud. According to data from 경찰청 (Korean National Police Agency) and 금융감독원 (Financial Supervisory Service), online scam cases continued to rise in 2025, with total losses exceeding 1.8 trillion won (approximately USD 1.3 billion).
1. 보이스피싱 (Voice Phishing)
보이스피싱 is the most representative and damaging scam type in South Korea. Fraudsters impersonate officials from 검찰 (Prosecutors' Office), 경찰 (Police), or 금융감독원 (Financial Supervisory Service), claiming "you're involved in a crime" or "your account has been compromised" to lure victims into transferring money.
Common tactics:
- Impersonating a 검사 (prosecutor), claiming your identity was used for money laundering, and demanding you transfer funds to a "safe account"
- Impersonating a bank employee, claiming your credit card was stolen, and requesting your OTP code
- Impersonating a 금융감독원직원 (FSS official), requesting you install a remote control app
- Impersonating a 대출상담사 (loan consultant), luring you with low-interest loans and collecting "processing fees"
2025 data: Over 32,000 보이스피싱 cases, with losses of approximately 780 billion won and an average loss of 24 million won per case. People over 60 had the highest victimization rate, but cases among those aged 20–30 are growing rapidly.
2. 투자사기 (Investment Fraud)
Investment scams using high-return promises are rampant in South Korea. Fraudsters recruit victims through KakaoTalk groups, Naver Café (forums), and YouTube ads, promising "guaranteed returns" and "insider tips."
Common types:
- 가짜 주식 투자방 (Fake stock investment chat rooms): Impersonating 증권분석가 (securities analysts) to direct investments to fake platforms
- 코인 투자 사기 (Cryptocurrency investment scams): Fake exchanges and fraudulent token ICOs
- 해외선물 사기 (Overseas futures scams): Fake overseas futures trading platforms
- 리딩방 사기 (Signal group scams): Collecting high "VIP membership fees" then disappearing
3. 로맨스스캠 (Romance Scam)
Through 소개팅앱 (dating apps) and SNS (social media), scammers create fake identities to build emotional relationships before stealing money. Common platforms in South Korea include Bumble, Tinder, and local dating apps. Scammers often pose as 해외근무 군인 (military personnel stationed overseas), 의사 (doctors), or 사업가 (business executives).
4. 온라인쇼핑 사기 (Online Shopping Scam)
Scams conducted through 중고나라 (secondhand marketplace), 당근마켓 (Karrot Market, local secondhand platform), and 네이버 카페 (Naver Café). Common tactics include collecting payment without shipping, sending counterfeit goods, and fake websites impersonating well-known 쇼핑몰 (shopping malls).
5. 가상자산 사기 (Cryptocurrency Scam)
South Korea has extremely high cryptocurrency trading activity, and related scams are proliferating. These include fake 거래소 (exchanges), fraudulent 대출담보 (loan collateral) schemes, Ponzi-structured tokens, and fake investment ads using celebrity likenesses. After the 2022 Terra/Luna collapse, South Korea strengthened regulation of virtual assets, but new scam methods keep emerging.
2. How to Use ScamLens to Determine If You're Being Scammed
When you're unsure whether a website, link, or investment platform is safe, you can use ScamLens for a quick check. ScamLens supports the Korean interface—visit scamlens.org/ko directly.
1. Domain Check (도메인 검사)
Enter the suspicious website address on the ScamLens homepage. The system queries over 90 threat intelligence sources in real time and returns results within seconds.
Checks include:
- Domain registration date (scam sites are typically registered very recently, within a few months)
- Whether it appears on known blacklists
- SSL certificate status
- Server geolocation
- Domain similarity analysis (whether it mimics a well-known website)
2. Trust Score (신뢰도 점수)
ScamLens generates a Trust Score from 0–100 for every scanned website:
- 80–100: Highly trustworthy, safe to use
- 50–79: Some risk, proceed with caution
- 0–49: High risk, very likely a scam website
3. AI Risk Analysis
ScamLens AI automatically analyzes website content and generates a human-readable risk summary explaining why the site is dangerous and what common scam tactics it employs. AI analysis supports Korean output.
4. Cryptocurrency Address Check
If someone gives you a cryptocurrency wallet address, enter it at scamlens.org/ko/check-crypto to check whether the address is linked to known scams or flagged as high risk.
3. Searching and Reporting Suspicious Websites on ScamLens
Search Existing Reports
Enter a domain in the ScamLens search bar. If the site has been previously scanned by other users, you can see:
- Historical scan results and Trust Score
- Other users' 투표 (votes) and 댓글 (comments)
- Community report information
Report a Scam Website
If you confirm a website is a scam, you can report it on ScamLens:
- Visit scamlens.org/ko/check-website and enter the scam domain.
- On the results page, click the "Report" button.
- Select the scam type (피싱/투자사기/쇼핑사기, etc.).
- Describe your experience and evidence.
- Your report helps other users identify the scam site.
Your report not only protects others but also builds a publicly citable evidence record for future police reports in South Korea.
4. Evidence Collection Checklist
In South Korea, the completeness of your evidence directly determines whether a case will be accepted and solved. Below are the key pieces of evidence you need, listed by priority:
Must Collect
| Evidence Type | Collection Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 카카오톡 대화 내용 (KakaoTalk chat logs) | KakaoTalk → Chat room → Menu (≡) → Export chat | Export as text file; also screenshot key conversations |
| 이체내역 (Bank transfer records) | Export 거래내역 (transaction history) from online or mobile banking | Include date, amount, recipient account and name |
| Scam website screenshots | Screenshot the entire page including the URL bar | Scam sites may go offline at any time—screenshot immediately |
| Counterparty phone numbers/account info | Compile all numbers, accounts, and IDs related to the scammer | Including KakaoTalk ID, phone number, bank account |
| Remittance receipts | Bank transfer receipts, ATM transaction slips | Photograph physical receipts as digital backups |
Recommended to Collect
| Evidence Type | Collection Method |
|---|---|
| Call recordings | Korean law permits one-party recording (일방녹음 합법); use the phone's built-in recorder or a 통화녹음앱 |
| SNS/website ad screenshots | Save ads, posts, and text messages that led you to the scam |
| Cryptocurrency transaction records | Export transaction history from 거래소 (exchange); save wallet addresses and Transaction Hashes |
| Files sent by the scammer | Apps, installation packages, contract PDFs (do not open—save the original files) |
| ScamLens scan reports | Screenshot after scanning on ScamLens; can serve as supplementary evidence |
KakaoTalk Chat Export — Step by Step
- Open the 카카오톡 대화방 (chat room) with the scammer.
- Tap the ≡ menu button in the top right.
- Scroll down to find "대화 내보내기" (Export Chat).
- Select "메일로 보내기" (Send via Email) or "파일로 저장" (Save as File).
- The exported .txt file contains the complete chat timeline and content.
- Important: Also screenshot key conversations, as the exported text file does not include images or voice messages.
Bank 이체내역 (Transfer Records) Export
For 주요은행 (major banks):
- 국민은행 (KB Kookmin Bank): KB Star Banking app → 조회 → 거래내역조회 → Select date range → Screenshot
- 신한은행 (Shinhan Bank): SOL app → 계좌관리 → 거래내역 → Screenshot or export PDF
- 하나은행 (Hana Bank): 하나원큐 app → 계좌 → 거래내역조회
- 우리은행 (Woori Bank): 우리WON뱅킹 → 계좌조회 → 거래내역
Tip: If a transfer has already been made, do not delete or deactivate the bank accounts or apps related to the scam—they are important electronic evidence.
5. Reporting Channels in South Korea
1. 112 경찰 신고 (Police Report)
Phone: 112
Scope: All emergencies, including scams in progress
Hours: 24/7
Steps:
- Call 112 and say "사기 피해를 신고하고 싶습니다" (I want to report a scam).
- The operator will record your basic information: 성함 (name), 연락처 (contact), 주소 (address).
- Briefly describe the scam, emphasizing 금액 (amount) and 시간 (time).
- If funds were just transferred, state clearly: "방금 송금했습니다, 지급정지를 요청합니다" (I just sent money; please request a payment freeze).
- The operator will direct you to the local 경찰서 (police station) to make a formal 진술서 (statement).
- Bring your 신분증 (ID) and all evidence to the police station.
Notes:
- You will receive a 사건번호 (case number) after reporting—keep it safe.
- Korean police stations usually have a 사이버수사팀 (Cyber Investigation Team), and fraud cases are forwarded to the specialized team.
- Foreigners can report in English. Call 112 and press 7 for the 외국인통역서비스 (foreigner interpretation service).
2. 사이버안전국 (Cyber Bureau)
Website: ecrm.police.go.kr
Scope: Online scams, hacking, personal data breaches, and all cybercrimes
Hours: Online reports accepted 24/7
Steps:
- Visit ecrm.police.go.kr (경찰청 사이버안전국 homepage).
- Click "사이버범죄 신고" (Report Cybercrime).
- Log in using 공동인증서 (public certificate) or 간편인증 (simple authentication, e.g., KakaoTalk verification).
- Select the report type: 인터넷사기 (internet fraud), 피싱 (phishing), 해킹 (hacking), etc.
- Fill in 피해 내용 (details of damage): time, description, amount lost, suspect information.
- Upload 증거자료 (evidence): chat logs, transfer receipts, website screenshots, etc.
- After submission, you'll receive a 접수번호 (receipt number) and can check 진행상황 (case progress) on the website.
Notes:
- Online reports carry the same legal weight as in-person reports at a police station.
- You'll receive a confirmation SMS within 3–7 business days.
- The 사이버안전국 website also features warnings about 최근 사기 수법 (latest scam tactics).
3. 1332 금융감독원 (Financial Supervisory Service)
Phone: 1332
Website: www.fss.or.kr
Scope: Investment fraud, insurance fraud, illegal financial operations, 금융분쟁 (financial disputes)
Hours: Weekdays 09:00–18:00
Steps:
- Call 1332 and follow the voice prompts:
- 1번: 금융상담 (Financial consultation)
- 2번: 보이스피싱 피해상담 (Voice phishing victim consultation)
- 3번: 불법금융신고 (Illegal financial activity report)
- Explain your financial fraud situation to the 상담원 (consultant).
- For 보이스피싱 cases, 1332 can coordinate with 은행 (banks) to initiate 계좌지급정지 (account payment freeze).
- You can also submit reports online via the 전자민원 (electronic complaint) system on the 금융감독원 website.
Special functions:
- 계좌지급정지 요청: If you've just lost money to 보이스피싱, 1332 can directly contact the bank to freeze the recipient's account.
- 불법금융업 조회: Check whether a company holds a legitimate financial license on the 금융감독원 website.
- 금융분쟁조정: If a bank or financial institution mishandles your case, you can apply for 분쟁조정 (dispute mediation).
4. 118 한국인터넷진흥원 (KISA — Korea Internet & Security Agency)
Phone: 118
Website: www.kisa.or.kr
Scope: 피싱사이트 (phishing sites), 스미싱 (smishing), 악성코드 (malware), 개인정보유출 (personal data leaks)
Hours: 24/7
Steps:
- Call 118 and describe your cybersecurity issue.
- If you've found a 피싱사이트 (phishing site), provide the URL and KISA will analyze it and consider blocking it.
- If your phone received a 스미싱문자 (smishing message), forward the text to 118.
- If you accidentally clicked a malicious link or installed a suspicious app, KISA technicians will guide you through remediation.
Special functions:
- 피싱사이트 차단: Once confirmed, KISA can block phishing sites within South Korea's network.
- 스미싱 차단: Report smishing phone numbers; KISA coordinates with carriers to block them.
- 개인정보 침해 상담: Professional consultation and emergency response for personal data breaches.
- 보호나라 (boho.or.kr): KISA's cybersecurity portal for checking 최신 보안 위협 (latest security threats).
5. 1372 소비자상담센터 (Consumer Consultation Center)
Phone: 1372
Website: www.ccn.go.kr
Scope: 온라인쇼핑 사기 (online shopping fraud), 가짜 상품 (counterfeit goods), 환불분쟁 (refund disputes), 서비스불만 (service complaints)
Hours: Weekdays 09:00–18:00
Steps:
- Call 1372 and describe your consumer dispute or shopping scam.
- The 상담원 (consultant) will record the case and provide handling suggestions.
- If the merchant refuses a refund, 1372 can intervene for 중재 (mediation).
- You can also submit a 피해구제 신청 (victim relief application) online through the Consumer Consultation Center website.
Applicable scenarios:
- Paid for an online purchase but never received the goods
- Received goods that significantly differ from the description
- Merchant refuses to honor return/exchange obligations
- Subscription services that cannot be canceled or involve unauthorized charges
6. 금융위원회 (Financial Services Commission)
Website: www.fsc.go.kr
Scope: Illegal fundraising, Ponzi schemes, unregistered financial services, 가상자산 (virtual asset) violations
금융위원회 is South Korea's top financial market regulator. If the scam you encountered involves 대규모 (large-scale) illegal fundraising or systemic financial crime, you can submit a report through the Financial Services Commission website. 금융위원회 also operates "금융소비자정보포털 파인" (fine.fss.or.kr), where you can check a financial company's legitimacy and investor alert information.
7. 보이스피싱 피해 전용 신고 (Voice Phishing Dedicated Reporting)
Voice phishing (보이스피싱) is so prevalent in South Korea that dedicated reporting and response mechanisms exist:
Emergency payment freeze channels:
- 경찰 112 → Request 계좌지급정지 (account payment freeze)
- 은행 고객센터 (Bank customer service) → Call your bank and the recipient's bank to request a freeze
- 금융감독원 1332 → 보이스피싱 전용 상담 (dedicated voice phishing consultation)
각 은행 고객센터 (Bank customer service numbers):
| Bank | Customer Service |
|---|---|
| 국민은행 (KB Kookmin Bank) | 1588-9999 |
| 신한은행 (Shinhan Bank) | 1577-8000 |
| 하나은행 (Hana Bank) | 1599-1111 |
| 우리은행 (Woori Bank) | 1588-5000 |
| NH농협은행 (NH NongHyup Bank) | 1661-3000 |
| 카카오뱅크 (Kakao Bank) | 1599-3333 |
| 토스뱅크 (Toss Bank) | 1661-7654 |
Key steps:
- Immediately after discovering the fraud, call 112 and the recipient bank's customer service simultaneously.
- Tell the bank: "보이스피싱 피해입니다, 지급정지를 요청합니다" (This is voice phishing; I request a payment freeze).
- Provide the recipient's 계좌번호 (account number) and 이체금액 (transfer amount).
- The bank will freeze the account upon verification, usually the same day.
- Golden window: Requesting a freeze within 30 minutes of the transfer yields the highest success rate.
6. Getting Scam Websites Taken Down
Beyond reporting to police, you can actively push for scam websites to be taken offline, preventing more victims.
1. WHOIS Lookup
Enter the scam domain at whois.kr (한국인터넷정보센터 WHOIS lookup) or who.is to find:
- 도메인 등록기관 (Domain registrar)
- 등록자 정보 (Registrant information)
- 네임서버 (Name servers) — identifies the hosting service
2. File an Abuse Report with the Domain Registrar
After identifying the registrar, send an abuse email:
- 국제 도메인 (International domains, .com/.net/.org): Find the registrar's abuse contact, usually abuse@registrar-domain
- 가비아 (Gabia): One of South Korea's largest registrars; abuse email [email protected] or report via gabia.com customer center
- 카페24 (Cafe24): [email protected]
- 후이즈 (WHOIS Corp): Korean registrar; submit reports through whois.co.kr customer service
3. .kr Domain Complaints
.kr domains are managed by 한국인터넷진흥원 (KISA):
- Visit krnic.or.kr (한국인터넷정보센터)
- Submit a domain abuse report; KISA has the authority to suspend violating .kr domains
- You can also call 118 (KISA hotline) to report by phone
4. Report to Search Engines
- Google Safe Browsing: Visit safebrowsing.google.com/safebrowsing/report_phish to submit phishing URLs. Once confirmed, Google displays warnings in Chrome and search results.
- Naver (네이버): South Korea's largest search engine. Report scam sites via help.naver.com → 신고센터 (Report Center); Naver will remove or flag them in search results.
- Daum/Kakao: Report via cs.daum.net.
5. Report to Hosting Providers
If the scam website uses Cloudflare, AWS, Alibaba Cloud, etc.:
- Cloudflare: abuse.cloudflare.com
- AWS: aws.amazon.com/forms/report-abuse
- 카페24 호스팅: A popular Korean hosting provider; report through their customer center
7. Fund Recovery
1. 전기통신금융사기 피해금 환급 (Telecommunications Financial Fraud Victim Fund Refund)
This is South Korea's unique statutory fund recovery system, operating under the 《전기통신금융사기 피해 방지 및 피해금 환급에 관한 특별법》 (Special Act on Prevention of Telecommunications Financial Fraud and Refund of Victim Funds).
Application process:
- File a police report: Report to 경찰 (police) or 사이버안전국 first and obtain a 사건사고 사실확인서 (Case Incident Fact Confirmation).
- Request payment freeze: Apply to freeze the recipient's account through 112, bank customer service, or 1332.
- Submit refund application: Go to your 개설은행 (account-holding bank) and submit a 피해금 환급 신청서 (Victim Fund Refund Application).
- Required documents: 신분증 (ID), 사건사고 사실확인서 (Case Incident Fact Confirmation), 이체내역 (transfer records)
- Bank review: After the bank's review, if the frozen account has remaining funds, they are distributed proportionally among victims based on 피해금액 (loss amounts).
- 환급 (Refund): Once approved, funds are returned to your bank account.
Important notes:
- Application deadline: Within 30일 (30 days) of discovering the fraud.
- The refund amount depends on the remaining balance in the frozen account—full recovery is not guaranteed.
- If the scammer has already transferred or withdrawn the funds, the recoverable amount may be limited.
- This is why the sooner you report and freeze, the higher the recovery rate.
2. 은행 계좌지급정지 (Bank Account Payment Freeze)
Besides the 112 and 1332 channels, you can directly contact the recipient's bank to request a freeze:
- Call the recipient bank's 고객센터 (customer service).
- Explain 보이스피싱 또는 사기 피해 (voice phishing or scam victimization).
- Provide the recipient's 계좌번호 (account number), 이체일시 (transfer date/time), and 금액 (amount).
- The bank will freeze the account after verification, usually the same day.
3. 신용카드 이의신청 (Credit Card Dispute / Chargeback)
If you paid by 신용카드 (credit card):
- Immediately call the 카드사 고객센터 (credit card company customer service):
- 삼성카드 (Samsung Card): 1588-8700
- 현대카드 (Hyundai Card): 1577-6000
- 신한카드 (Shinhan Card): 1544-7000
- KB국민카드 (KB Kookmin Card): 1588-1688
- Request 거래취소 (transaction cancellation) or 이의제기 (transaction dispute).
- Provide scam evidence (police report number, chat logs, etc.).
- The card company will investigate, typically delivering results within 45–90 days.
- If the dispute is successful, funds are returned to your credit card account.
4. 가상자산 (Cryptocurrency) Tracing
Recovering funds from cryptocurrency scams is more difficult but not impossible:
- Save transaction records: Record all Transaction Hashes, wallet addresses, transaction times, and amounts.
- Use ScamLens tracing: Enter the scammer's wallet address at scamlens.org/ko/check-crypto to view fund flow and risk analysis.
- Report to 거래소 (exchanges): If funds flowed to known exchanges (e.g., Upbit, Bithumb, Coinone), contact exchange customer service to request a freeze.
- Include on-chain evidence with your police report: Submit ScamLens tracing reports and Transaction Hashes to the police to aid the investigation.
- ScamLens Crypto Trace 서비스: For large losses, use ScamLens' professional cryptocurrency tracing service for detailed fund flow analysis reports, supporting 18 major blockchains.
8. Beware of Recovery Scams (환급사기 주의)
This is a critical warning: After being scammed, you may face a second wave of fraud — 추가사기 (follow-up scams) or 환급사기 (refund scams).
Common tactics:
- Someone claims to be 경찰 (police) or a 변호사 (lawyer), saying they can "help you recover your money" but require an upfront 수수료 (fee) or 보증금 (deposit).
- Seeing "피해금 환급 전문" (professional victim fund recovery) ads on social media; after contacting them, you're asked to pay first.
- Receiving messages from 자칭 해커 (self-proclaimed hackers) who say they can "hack the scammer's account to get your money back."
- Impersonating 금융감독원 or 은행직원 and requesting your bank card details and OTP under the guise of "refund processing."
Iron rules:
- South Korea's official 피해금 환급 (victim fund refund) process never requires you to pay upfront.
- 경찰 and 금융감독원 never request your bank password or OTP via phone or text.
- Anyone who asks you to "pay money to get your money back" is 100% a scam.
- If someone contacts you proactively offering recovery help, they very likely obtained your information from scam databases.
9. Prevention Tips + ScamLens
Daily Prevention
- 안전한 비밀번호 (Secure passwords): Use different passwords for each platform and enable 이중인증 (two-factor authentication / 2FA).
- 링크 확인 (Check links): Before clicking any link received via text or KakaoTalk, scan it on ScamLens first.
- 공식앱 사용 (Use official apps): Only download apps from Google Play or the App Store; never install APKs from unknown sources.
- 개인정보 보호 (Protect personal information): Never publicly share your 주민등록번호 (Resident Registration Number), 계좌번호 (bank account number), or other sensitive information on social media.
- 의심 시 확인 (Verify when in doubt): If you receive a call claiming to be from 검찰/경찰/은행, hang up and call the institution's official number yourself.
Build Protection Habits with ScamLens
- Install the ScamLens browser extension: Install in Chrome for automatic detection of dangerous websites while browsing.
- Scan suspicious links before clicking: Build a "check before you click" habit by pasting links into scamlens.org/ko/check-website.
- Regularly check ScamLens threat trends: Visit scamlens.org/ko/trends to stay updated on the latest scam tactics.
- Participate in the community: Share suspicious websites you encounter on the ScamLens community to help others avoid scams.
- Check before you invest: For any investment platform, scan its domain on ScamLens first. Do not invest any money in platforms scoring below 60.
Special Reminder: Foreigners in South Korea
If you are a foreigner (외국인) in South Korea:
- You can request 통역서비스 (interpretation service) when reporting to police. 112 supports English, Chinese, Japanese, and more.
- Call 다산콜센터 120 (Seoul Metropolitan Government hotline), press 9 for 외국인상담 (foreigner consultation) for multilingual assistance.
- 출입국외국인청 (Immigration Service) hotline 1345 also provides multilingual service.
- On ScamLens, use scamlens.org/ko (Korean), scamlens.org/zh (Chinese), scamlens.org/en (English), and other language interfaces.
10. Psychological Support
The psychological trauma after being scammed should not be ignored. Many victims experience 수치심 (shame), 자책감 (self-blame), and 불안 (anxiety) — these are normal psychological responses. Remember: Being scammed is not your fault — the scammer is to blame.
Mental Health Hotlines
| Hotline Name | Phone | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 정신건강 위기상담전화 (Mental Health Crisis Hotline) | 1577-0199 | 24/7; psychological crisis consultation and emotional support |
| 자살예방 상담전화 (Suicide Prevention Hotline) | 1393 | 24/7; if you're having extreme thoughts due to being scammed, call immediately |
| 생명의전화 (Lifeline) | 1588-9191 | 24/7; emotional support and listening |
| 정신건강복지센터 (Mental Health Welfare Center) | 1577-0199 | Book 면대면 상담 (face-to-face counseling); centers in every region |
A Message to Victims
- Don't bear this alone: Tell a trusted 가족 (family member) or 친구 (friend) about your experience — their support is crucial for your recovery.
- Don't blame yourself: Scammers use carefully designed 심리적 조작 (psychological manipulation) techniques; even highly educated, high-income individuals fall victim.
- Seek professional help: If anxiety, insomnia, or low mood persists for more than two weeks, visit a 정신건강의학과 (psychiatry department).
- Document and share: Sharing your experience (anonymously if preferred) on the ScamLens community helps others while also serving as emotional release.
- Financial losses can be recovered: Money can be earned again, but your physical and mental health is paramount. No matter how much you've lost, take care of yourself first.
Summary: South Korea Anti-Scam Action Checklist
| Step | Action | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | Immediately cut off all contact with the scammer | — |
| Step 2 | Call 112 to report + call recipient bank to request freeze | 112 + bank customer service |
| Step 3 | Call 1332 금융감독원 to request 계좌지급정지 | 1332 |
| Step 4 | File an online report at 사이버안전국 | ecrm.police.go.kr |
| Step 5 | Collect all evidence (chat logs, transfer records) | See Chapter 4 of this guide |
| Step 6 | Visit 경찰서 to make a formal statement | Local police station |
| Step 7 | Apply for 피해금 환급 (Victim Fund Refund) | Your bank |
| Step 8 | Report the scam website on ScamLens | scamlens.org/ko |
| Step 9 | Report to domain registrar / search engines | See Chapter 6 of this guide |
| Step 10 | If you need psychological support, call 1577-0199 | 1577-0199 |
Save this guide — hopefully you'll never need it. But if you ever fall victim to a scam, it can help you take the right actions at the most critical moments. 시간이 곧 돈이다 (Time is money) — the faster you report and freeze, the greater your chances of recovery.
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