Pocheon city police in Gyeonggi province recently commended a vigilant citizen whose swift actions prevented a significant phone scam. The commendation was awarded on 23/2 following an incident where the customer’s quick thinking saved a potential victim from substantial financial loss.

On 9/2, while at a local cafe, a customer overheard a conversation between two other individuals. Phrases such as "stock investment fund" and "can you show me the cash?" immediately raised suspicion. Observing that one person, a potential victim, appeared ready to hand over stacks of cash to the other man, the customer quietly exited the cafe.

The customer then called the police, reporting the incident with certainty: "I am almost certain this is a phone scam; the money recipient is talking to the victim." Police swiftly responded, arriving at the scene and arresting the individual who was about to receive the money. Thanks to this timely intervention, the potential victim was saved from losing 60 million won (over one billion dong).

Police later revealed that the reporting customer had a personal connection to such schemes, having fallen victim to a loan scam disguised as job assistance via phone in 2024 and was currently awaiting trial. "Because I was a victim, I immediately recognized the scam," the customer stated. "I was worried others would also fall victim, so I reported it right away."

Pocheon Police Chief Han Sang-gu praised the citizen's actions. "This customer's swift and courageous report helped prevent significant financial damage," he said. "The police will continue to cooperate with citizens to eliminate phone scams."

This incident highlights a growing trend of public vigilance against financial fraud. In 12/2025, Pocheon police also arrested a scam money recipient thanks to the sharp observation of a Nonghyup bank employee.

The bank incident occurred around 11h on 3/2/2025, when a 60-year-old male customer arrived at the Jeonggyo branch in Gasan district. He exhibited unusual behavior, pacing near the counter with an anxious look. After engaging him in conversation, the bank manager determined that the man was involved in a phone scam.

The customer had already transferred 20 million won to an account designated by the scammer the day before and was planning to withdraw an additional 50 million won in cash. While the manager helped him realize the fraud, the scammer continued to call, attempting to confirm if the withdrawal had been made.

Following the report, police coordinated with the victim and successfully arrested the individual who arrived to collect the money at the designated meeting point. Police subsequently awarded a commendation to the Nonghyup bank branch for its crucial contribution to preventing losses from phone scams and apprehending the suspect.

Tue Anh (according to Joongang Ilbo, Chosun Daily)