Police Ignore Repeated Warnings, Victim Loses $40K to Voice Phishing Scam

South Korean police officials failed to prevent a voice phishing crime after ignoring three reports filed by the victim’s daughter and a bank clerk, local media outlets reported Monday.

According to reports, a woman was deceived into wiring money to criminals on May 22, raising suspicions from a bank teller. The victim had already transferred 55 million won ($41,250) on two separate occasions, prompting the teller to alert the police both times about suspected voice phishing.

The victim’s daughter also contacted law enforcement regarding the third incident.

It was later discovered that the transfers were made to a voice phishing ring after police arrested several members of the criminal group during an unrelated investigation. By that point, the victim had wired a total of 70 million won ($52,500) to the perpetrators.

Despite repeated reports from the bank teller and the victim’s daughter, police did not launch an official investigation into the matter. Law enforcement officials told reporters that the victim consistently claimed the money was intended for opening a store, and they found no evidence indicating criminal activity.