Fraudsters impersonate cryptocurrency firms to launch phishing attacks on customers of major domestic gas suppliers. Scammers send deceptive messages claiming ‘1.5 million won in Bitcoin holdings on the Coin Exchange site. Please deposit via this URL,’ prompting victims to click malicious links.
Police Probe into Massive Bitcoin-Related Frauds
Authorities investigate phishing operations exploiting incidents involving two prominent Bitcoin entities, linked to damages exceeding 62 billion won. Victims remain largely unaware, fueling concerns among transaction platforms and private communications. Investigators collaborate with gas firms to trace these schemes.
Sophisticated Tactics in Phishing Campaigns
Scammers embed harmful links in fake investigation notices and alerts. Clicking leads to bogus ‘Samsung major customer verification’ pages that lure users into further action. Deposits trigger malicious Apple app installations, harvesting Apple IDs, email credentials, and personal data. These smishing services even pursue credit details, issuing threats like ‘Protect your account or face gas service suspension’ to coerce compliance.
Event Giveaway Turns into Mass Scam
On June 1 after 7 p.m., fraudsters targeted 249 event participants, promising Bitcoin distributions worth 2,000 to 50,000 won. Malicious code swapped ‘won’ for ‘Bitcoin,’ deceiving users. Within 35 minutes, nearly 618,212 instances (99.7%) processed successfully, with 1,788 routed through exchanges.
Bait Using Trending Topics and Sensational Lures
Attackers exploit social and economic hot buttons, crafting messages like ‘[XX Tank] Factory Explosion, Verify Safety’ or ‘President’s Tank Guard Center’ to drive clicks. Search engines see surges in public-interest phishes like ‘super president’ scams. App stores rank malicious texts highly, while portals feature fakes on national issues such as ‘business tax forums’ and ‘wage hikes.’
Financial Sector Alerts Users
KB Kookmin Bank warns customers of widespread smishing and phishing abusing Bitcoin sales. ‘Heightened vigilance is essential,’ the bank states.
Expert Insights on Evolving Threats
Industry observers note, ‘Large-scale social incidents provide fodder for anxiety-driven phishings.’ They add, ‘While intent drives harm, authorities must prioritize direct interventions, monitor financial data flows publicly, and adapt swiftly to suspicious activities.’
Coordinated Response from Regulators and Police
Financial watchdogs and law enforcement ramp up efforts: blocking malicious communications instantly, scrutinizing all transactions, flagging dubious URL clicks, and reporting anomalous app installs or hacks. Fake ‘secure transaction’ services mimic legitimate platforms, forecasting full financial transaction previews to dupe users and enable credit card breaches across entire portfolios.
