Police stuff speaker into envelope to catch voice phishing suspect targeting person in their 80s

A person in their 80s who nearly fell victim to a voice phishing scam was spared thanks to a sharp-eyed bank employee and quick police action. Officers disguised a speaker as a bundle of cash and used it to lure the suspect to a mailbox, where they arrested the courier on the spot.

According to the South Jeolla Provincial Police Agency on Friday, police received a report Oct. 7 from a bank in Mokpo that an elderly customer was attempting to withdraw 26 million won ($19,500) in cash.

Officer Jeong Ye-jong of the Sanjeong Police Box under the Mokpo Police Station responded to the scene and spoke with the victim, identified only as A, 82.

A told the officer, "I came to the bank after receiving a phone call, but I left my mobile phone at home." Suspicious, Jeong immediately recognized the hallmarks of a voice phishing scheme and accompanied A back to the residence.

Back at the home, A's mobile phone was still connected to a call with a member of the phishing organization. The caller instructed A to place the cash in a black envelope and leave it in the mailbox.

Seizing the opportunity to catch the suspect, Jeong wrapped a speaker from inside the home in a black plastic bag and bound it tightly with tape to make it look like a bundle of banknotes.

Jeong and fellow officers then changed into plain clothes and took up positions at various points around the residence — including the second floor — to avoid detection while they waited.

About an hour later, a voice phishing courier in their 30s, identified only as B, appeared and began rummaging through the mailbox to retrieve the black envelope. Officers immediately moved in and arrested B in the act.

A police official urged the public to hang up immediately and call 112 if they receive a call from someone impersonating a law enforcement agency or financial institution and demanding cash.