Voice phishing organization's 'self-imprisonment' method, two doctors consecutively victimized

Recently, voice phishing organizations impersonating investigative agencies have been committing crimes by instructing victims to cut off communication with the outside world and hide in specific locations through a 'self-imprisonment' method.

According to a report by TV Chosun on the 27th, earlier this month, two doctors consecutively cut off contact with the outside world and stayed at accommodation facilities for two days while attempting to transfer money before being rescued.

On the 6th, a police car entered the parking lot of an accommodation facility. This was the police going to rescue a university hospital doctor who was a victim of 'self-imprisonment voice phishing.'

The victim initially received a call from a scammer impersonating a postal worker, stating, "A complaint has been filed, and you need to receive a registered letter." Subsequently, they received a call from someone impersonating a central district prosecutor, saying, "You might be arrested for being involved in a crime, so don’t tell anyone and go to a motel."

Psychological control by voice phishing organizations and use of remote control apps

The victim ended up staying completely isolated from the outside world at a motel in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province for two days. They fell into a 'self-imprisonment' state, psychologically dominated by the voice phishing organization. Fortunately, the police, alerted by the victim's family, rescued them in time, preventing any financial loss.

Professor Lee Yoon-ho from the Cyber University of Korea's Department of Police Studies explained, "The more fear is added, the easier it is to extort money. It's easier to tame them. Just imagine how scary and anxious they must feel."

Another doctor, referred to as B, also received a call from someone impersonating a central district prosecutor and fell into a 'self-imprisonment' state just before transferring 100 million won.

The voice phishing gang induced victims to install remote control apps, continuing their crimes while monitoring real-time locations and other details. Once such an app is installed, the victim’s personal information and bank transfers are controlled by the criminal organization.

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