Nationwide Alert Issued as Celebrity Impersonation Scams Surge
Changwon, South Korea – A concerning trend of scams involving impersonators claiming to be celebrities has emerged across the country, prompting law enforcement to issue warnings to protect self-employed individuals from financial exploitation. The Changwon Jungbu Police Station reported multiple complaints from local businesses, including a meat restaurant that fell victim to a scam after a concert booking was solicited in the name of popular singer Nam Jin.
An unsuspecting restaurant owner, Mr. A, was contacted by someone posing as an employee from Nam Jin’s agency, requesting a reservation for 20 people for the singer’s anniversary concert celebration. Encouraged by the false promise of a large booking, Mr. A prepared food and flowers, only to later be coerced into prepaying approximately 4.7 million won for expensive alcohol that was never delivered.
Reports indicate that this scam scheme, dubbed "no-show fraud," has been targeting various celebrities and entertainment agencies. Other notable names, including actor Nam Goong-min and singer Song Ga-in, have also issued alerts, confirming similar fraudulent actions involving false representations. These scams often entail impersonating agency managers who solicit large orders for company dinners only to vanish afterward.
Authorities suspect that this wave of impersonation may be organized crime with possible international links. In light of the growing reports, police stressed the importance of vigilance, particularly against impersonation attempts that also involve military units and government offices. Businesses are urged to refrain from making any advance payments without verification and to report suspicious activities immediately.
The rise of these scams highlights an urgent need for increased awareness and protective measures for local businesses that might fall prey to such deceitful tactics.
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