In the future, banks will require customers who withdraw or transfer large amounts at the counter to watch voice phishing prevention videos and will also provide information on the latest crime cases. This is a measure to strengthen the screening system in response to the growing number of 'face-to-face fraud' incidents, where perpetrators obtain cash directly from victims.
According to the financial sector on the 23rd, banks will gradually implement this enhanced screening system starting this month. The government has recently inspected the operational status of the banks' screening systems and has prepared a manual based on this to convey to the banking sector.
The screening system is designed to ask questions or obtain signatures to confirm whether customers are involved in crimes such as voice phishing when they withdraw or transfer deposits. Currently, if cash withdrawals exceed 5 million won at the bank counter, a voice phishing prevention screening is conducted, and for withdrawals exceeding 10 million won, a responsible person must verify how the funds will be used and the prevention measures against voice phishing.
Banks plan to make customers watch voice phishing prevention videos mandatory when visiting the counter and require them to sign the main keywords of the screening content in their own handwriting. They will also provide information on the latest voice phishing techniques to check if customers fall under those categories. Customized screening forms tailored to the characteristics of customers, such as age, gender, and transaction amount, will also be provided. The banking sector will jointly develop age-specific voice phishing prevention training materials for this purpose.
For elderly or high-risk customers who conduct transactions through automated machines or internet banking, a video screening method will also be introduced.
The enhancement of the screening system is a response to the continued increase in crimes despite the government's efforts to eradicate voice phishing. According to the Korean National Police Agency, from January to April of this year, there were 8,268 cases of voice phishing, with a reported loss of 426.1 billion won. This marks an increase of approximately 22% in the number of cases and about 120% in the amount lost compared to the same period last year.
The sharp increase in the amount lost compared to the number of cases is explained by the recent rise in face-to-face fraud crimes. As non-face-to-face voice phishing prevention measures have strengthened due to reductions in daily transfer limits for internet banking and the introduction of delayed transfer systems, the incidence of face-to-face fraud tactics has increased. The share of face-to-face fraud in voice phishing crimes skyrocketed from 8.6% in 2019 to 64.3% in 2023.
A government official stated, "Voice phishing crimes can target anyone, and therefore, we will strengthen prevention activities for all age groups, including the middle-aged and elderly."