Lishui · Shuntian, Unauthorized credit card payments surge... Concerns over personal information leaks

Recently, there has been an increase in unauthorized credit card payment cases in Yeosu City and Suncheon City, Jeollanam-do, South Korea. Police suspect illegal transactions involving personal information leaks and are working on additional countermeasures.

In recent reports to the Yeosu Police Station, victims’ credit cards were used to pay for items they did not purchase, with each transaction amounting to several million won. The products mainly included Pu-erh tea and health foods. To date, the total known loss has reached 30 million won. Suncheon City has also received similar reports, confirming losses of approximately 92 million won from purchases of home appliances such as refrigerators and massage chairs.

According to police investigations, although there have been no reports of credit card theft or loss, cases of personal information abuse attempting unauthorized payments have been observed. Investigations into related personnel suggest that payment proxy companies and franchise store owners may be involved. Analysts believe this could be a combination of identity theft and illegal use of “shopping proxy phones.”

Authorities point out that current victim cases are concentrated in Yeosu and Suncheon, but due to the similar crime patterns, their connection is suspected. A joint investigation at the Jeollanam-do Police Agency level is being considered.

These incidents serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting personal information and the need to establish stronger security systems to prevent further damage. Experts warn that similar crimes may continue to occur in the future and emphasize that consumers should be cautious when using credit cards and managing personal information.