Fit-cop calendar officers launch unconventional voice phishing prevention campaign ahead of Police Day on Wednesday

25 active-duty officers take part in annual charity calendar and awareness video

Active-duty police officers who appear in the "fit cop calendar" film a voice phishing prevention video on the steps of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on Oct. 6. [Provided by Senior Officer Park Seong-yong]
Active-duty police officers who appear in the "fit cop calendar" film a voice phishing prevention video on the steps of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on Oct. 6. [Provided by Senior Officer Park Seong-yong]

"This is the police, prosecutors and the Financial Supervisory Service. An arrest warrant has been issued in your name because your bank account has been linked to a crime." "To verify the investigation documents, click the link we provide and install the app."

A group of physically fit officers known for producing an annual charity calendar to support child abuse victims has released an unconventional voice phishing prevention video to mark Police Day on Wednesday.

Twenty-five active-duty officers gathered on the steps of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on Oct. 6 to film a synchronized group dance video on the theme of voice phishing prevention.

The video parodies the popular music video "STORM II" by French producer GENER8ION and has drawn wide attention on Instagram and other social media platforms, racking up more than 100,000 views.

A scene from the voice phishing prevention video made by active-duty officers participating in the production of the 2027 fit cop calendar. [Provided by Senior Officer Park Seong-yong]
A scene from the voice phishing prevention video made by active-duty officers participating in the production of the 2027 fit cop calendar. [Provided by Senior Officer Park Seong-yong]

Senior Officer Park Seong-yong, who conceived the video, said he came up with the idea believing that simply knowing the typical tactics and scripts used by fraudsters could significantly reduce losses. "I hope this gives citizens a chance to stay alert to voice phishing crimes on Police Day," he said.

Losses from voice phishing remain severe. Last year, 23,360 voice phishing cases were reported nationwide, with total damages reaching 1.26 trillion won ($944 million). Of that, 988.4 billion won — 78.6 percent of the total — stemmed from impersonation scams in which criminals posed as police, prosecutors or other law enforcement investigators.

The Korean National Police Agency has urged the public to be suspicious of any call in which someone claiming to be from a law enforcement or financial institution demands money, asks them to install a mobile app, grants remote access to their device, or requests a bank transfer. People should also exercise caution when callers demand money under the pretext of a family member's kidnapping or accident.

Anyone who suspects a voice phishing attempt should hang up immediately and report it by calling 112 or 1394, the dedicated hotline for telecommunications and financial fraud.


kido@heraldcorp.com