Report a scam in South Korea

Use the official channels below. If you are in immediate danger, contact local emergency services first.

Emergency number: 112 - for immediate danger only.

Korean National Police (Cyber Bureau)
Needs manual review

Report cybercrime to the National Police cyber bureau (182).

Source type: police · Last checked 2026-06-05
https://www.police.go.kr
KISA - KrCERT (118)
Needs manual review

Internet & security incident reporting (118 hotline).

Source type: cert · Last checked 2026-06-05
https://www.boho.or.kr
Financial Supervisory Service (FSS)
Needs manual review

Financial regulator; voice-phishing and fraud help (1332).

Source type: regulator · Last checked 2026-06-05
https://www.fss.or.kr

Report scam texts: Report scam texts via KISA (118) and your carrier.

If money is involved: Contact your bank immediately; FSS 1332 for financial fraud and account freezes.

Police advice: Call 112 for emergencies; report cybercrime to the police (182).

Evidence to save:

Screenshots of the message, sender, and any links (with the link removed/sanitised).
Dates, times, amounts, and any reference numbers.
The account, wallet, or contact details you were asked to use.

What not to do:

Do not use phone numbers or links from the suspicious message.
Do not pay any 'fee' to recover money or release funds.
Do not share more codes, passwords, or ID documents.

Be wary of anyone promising guaranteed recovery for an upfront fee - that is a recovery scam.

How to report in South Korea

Online scams & fraud: use the fraud or consumer-protection authority above. Describe what happened and include your evidence (screenshots, dates, amounts, references).

Cybercrime (hacking, account takeover): file with the national cybercrime portal or police cyber unit listed above.

Scam texts & calls: Report scam texts via KISA (118) and your carrier.

Bank & payment scams: Contact your bank immediately; FSS 1332 for financial fraud and account freezes.

If you sent money: contact your bank or payment provider right away, save all evidence, and report to the authority above. The faster you act, the better the chance of recovery.

If you shared ID or KYC documents: watch for identity theft, consider a credit freeze or fraud alert where available, and follow the shared-ID recovery guide.

Stay safe while reporting

Do not use phone numbers or links from the suspicious message.
Search for official authorities independently and type the address yourself.
Report quickly if money was sent or ID documents were shared.

Common scams in South Korea

Voice phishing (보이스피싱)
Messenger impersonation scams
Investment and crypto scams
Loan and refund scams

Not sure if a message is a scam?

Check it first to see the red flags and what to do.

Check a message

Helpful next steps

Learn the red flags

Common scam types

Check & learn

Frequently asked questions

How do I report a scam in South Korea?

Use the official authorities listed on this page. If money is involved, contact your bank first, then file a report with the fraud or cybercrime authority.

Can I get my money back?

Sometimes, if you act quickly through your bank. Be cautious of anyone promising guaranteed recovery for an upfront fee - that is a recovery scam.

Last reviewed: 2026-06-05. Always confirm links on the official site.

Found an outdated official link? Tell us so we can review it.