Consumers Union of Korea
Fraudulent coupon sites are active again as Chuseok approaches Consumers should remain on the alert when using discount or cash payment sites
Consumers should be on the lookout for swindles operated by Internet sites that sell coupons issued by major department stores, as many cases where consumers have suffered damages by transferring cash to fraudulent sites have been reported.
Seoul E-Commerce Center (http://ecc.seoul.go.kr) discovered two fraudulent coupon discount sales sites on September 7.
These two coupon discount sites, Ticketpro (www.ticketpro.co.kr) and Ticket Money (www.ticketmoney.co.kr), were able to operate with a stolen tax payers’ numbers while displaying a fraudulent online sales report number and business location. The operators are still at large. As Ticket Money comes out top when searches are conducted on major portal or search sites using keywords such as coupon or coupon discount, over 80 victims suffered 40 million won damages in one day. Ticketpro induces consumers by advertising the sale of 10 x 100,000 won coupons from famous department stores for 300,000 won. These sites deceive consumers into transferring cash by falsely assuring them that they accept cash payment rather credit card payment because of the nature of the coupons. During the last New Year’s holiday, a site called OK Ticket extorted over 58 million won from 146 persons by falsely promising that they would sell famous department store coupons at a 70% discount. The total damages reported to Seoul E-Commerce Center in the year since last September amounted to 700 million won and involved 25 fraudulent sites.
Always Check Business Operator Information before Engaging in Transactions
It cannot be normal for merchandise coupons to be handled just like cash and sold at greatly discounted prices. It is very risky for an Internet sit to insist on cash payment only. Consumers need to check the operator’s identity information when an Internet site requests cash payment while offering excessive discount rates. The operator identity of sites declared in Seoul may be checked at the Seoul E-Commerce Center Website (http://ecc.seoul.go.kr). Information regarding fraudulent sites and e-commerce transactions will be promptly provided if you register for e-mail service membership through the website.
▶ Contact: Kang Jeong-hwa, Center Director (02-3707-8374) Jeong Ji-yeon, PR Team Manager (02-3707-8360) |