In Korea, voice phishing and smishing hit hardest when your Korean is weak and you don't know official procedures. In 2026 they combine malicious apps, call manipulation, QR (quishing), and AI voices. Here are the latest patterns and responses.
Key 2026 patterns
- 010 caller-ID spoofing: overseas call centers disguised as domestic 010 numbers
- Impersonating government or banks to push malicious app installs
- Quishing (fake QR): QR codes leading to phishing sites or malware
- Fake parcel, customs, or unpaid-bill calls steering you to a URL
- AI deep-voice: mimicking a friend's voice to request emergency money
What to do
If suspicious, hang up and verify via the institution's official number directly. If victimized, report immediately to 112 (police) and 1332 (Financial Supervisory Service) and ask your bank to freeze payments. 'Stay alone, don't tell anyone' is a classic threat-scam signal.
Full rundown of 2026 patterns and victim response for foreigners