'Call 1394 if you suspect voice phishing' to appear on shuttlecock cases

By Jung Joo-won, The Herald Business

The Gangbuk Police Station is teaming up with a local company to promote voice phishing awareness at recreational sports venues.

The station signed a memorandum of understanding with badminton equipment manufacturer Samhwa Badminton on Friday for the prevention of voice phishing and other crimes. The two organizations first signed an MOU last year and have agreed to continue their partnership this year.

Under the agreement, Samhwa Badminton will begin in July inserting the Korean National Police Agency's "Hang Up Now" campaign slogan and a voice phishing prevention QR code on its shuttlecock cases, distributed through about 300 retail outlets nationwide.

The cases will carry the message: "The decisive choice to cut off persistent phishing! If you're suspicious, dial 1394 to verify." The QR code will direct users to information on phishing tactics and prevention tips.

The Gangbuk Police Station expects that repeated exposure to such messages at recreational sports venues will help raise public awareness of crime prevention.

"The most effective response to a suspected phishing call or message is to hang up immediately," station chief Kim said. "Through collaboration with local businesses, we aim to help residents encounter crime prevention information naturally in their daily lives."

Samhwa Badminton CEO Lee Sang-shin said he hoped the initiative would raise awareness of the importance of phishing crime prevention not only in Gangbuk-gu but among badminton enthusiasts across the country. He added that the company would continue to work with the Gangbuk Police Station as a public safety partner.