DAXA, the Digital Asset Exchange Alliance in South Korea, issued a warning on the 8th about phishing sites impersonating Korean won-based cryptocurrency exchanges spreading through Facebook and other SNS advertisements. The fraudulent sites are designed to trick users into installing fake PC programs by promising trading fee exemptions and special event access. DAXA emphasized that Korean won exchanges do not provide desktop installation programs, making any such installation requests clear indicators of phishing attempts that could lead to credential theft and asset loss.
Phishing Sites Lure Users with Fake PC Program Offers
According to cases identified by DAXA, clicking on SNS advertisements redirects users to sites designed to resemble legitimate Korean won exchanges. These fraudulent sites display messages such as "trading fee exemption upon PC-exclusive program installation" and "special events available through exclusive program use" to induce users to download programs. The sites are crafted to closely mimic the appearance of actual exchange platforms.
Korean Won Exchanges Do Not Provide Desktop Apps
DAXA confirmed that Korean won-based cryptocurrency exchanges currently do not offer separate PC installation-type trading programs (Desktop Apps) to users. Any request to install such programs indicates a high likelihood of phishing site activity or malicious software distribution. DAXA explained that installing these programs can result in the theft of login information, personal data, and authentication credentials, and can activate remote control functions leading to losses of virtual assets and financial assets.
DAXA Issues Five-Point User Safety Checklist
DAXA recommended users follow these precautions:
- Access official homepages directly instead of using SNS advertisements
- Immediately stop any process requesting PC program installation
- Exercise caution with advertisements promoting excessive benefits such as fee exemptions
- Prohibit downloading executable files (APK, EXE, etc.) from unclear sources
- Report suspicious sites immediately to the exchange's customer center or relevant authorities
DAXA Plans Continuous Monitoring of Phishing Threats
DAXA stated it will work closely with member companies to continuously monitor phishing sites and malicious software distribution cases targeting virtual asset users, and will strengthen guidance to prevent user damage. Kim Jae-jin, DAXA's Standing Vice Chairman, stated that "impersonation tactics are becoming sophisticated and elaborate, making anyone a potential victim, and users need to be especially vigilant if PC program installation is being induced."
FAQ
What did DAXA warn about on the 8th?
DAXA warned about phishing sites impersonating Korean won-based cryptocurrency exchanges that are spreading through Facebook and other SNS advertisements, attempting to trick users into installing fake PC programs.
Do Korean cryptocurrency exchanges provide desktop apps?
No. DAXA confirmed that Korean won-based cryptocurrency exchanges currently do not provide separate PC installation-type trading programs (Desktop Apps) to users, making any such installation requests indicators of phishing attempts.
What risks exist if users install these fake programs?
DAXA explained that installing these fraudulent programs can result in theft of login information, personal data, and authentication credentials, and can activate remote control functions leading to losses of virtual assets and financial assets.
