A dog enjoys a splash in the water during a heat wave. (Not related to this article.) [Yonhap]
A dog enjoys a splash in the water during a heat wave. (Not related to this article.) [Yonhap]

A string of scams impersonating the Seoul Metropolitan Government to pressure pet businesses into buying security equipment has prompted the city to issue a public warning.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Saturday that forged official letters bearing a counterfeit seal of the Seoul mayor have been sent to owners of animal hospitals, pet grooming shops and pet boarding facilities, raising concerns about fraud.

According to the city, Seo, who runs a pet grooming business, received a phone call Friday morning around 9 a.m. from someone posing as an employee of the city's Animal Protection Division.

The impersonator asked whether Seo had received a mailed notice about a government support project for installing security equipment at pet facilities. When Seo said no letter had arrived, the caller sent a text message containing a forged document and a business card for a security equipment installation company.

The fake letter claimed that an amendment to the Animal Protection Act required pet facilities to install security cameras, warning that non-compliance could result in fines or other administrative penalties. It also stated that businesses purchasing equipment in advance through a designated government-certified vendor would receive a full refund.

Seo grew suspicious of the document's authenticity and contacted the city to verify it, at which point the letter was confirmed to be fraudulent. Several similar impersonation cases were subsequently reported to district offices.

The city notified relevant organizations — including district offices, the Korean Veterinary Medical Association and the Korea Kennel Federation — about the impersonation scheme and asked them to alert business owners in their networks. The city also referred the case to the Namdaemun Police Station in Seoul for investigation.

"Even when an official document appears to come from a public institution, people should be especially cautious if it demands the purchase of goods or upfront payment," said Kim Young-hwan, director of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Garden City Bureau. "If you receive a suspicious document, do not provide personal information or purchase or sign any contract for equipment — report it to the police or the relevant Seoul city department."


ken@heraldcorp.com