Recently, investment scams impersonating public figures have surged in Korea, with a notable increase in schemes exploiting the name of the renowned 'Professor Lee Jong Suk'. Scammers leverage Professor Lee's credibility to lure investors with promises of high returns, directing them to unverified external investment platforms and requesting fund transfers to separate accounts.
The fraudsters typically approach victims through stock-related communities, social media ads, and open chat rooms, inviting them to fake trading rooms or group chats where they impersonate Professor Lee Jong Suk. They display fabricated returns or offer free lectures to lower victims' guard, then coerce them into joining specific platforms and demand transfers to fraudulent accounts under Professor Lee's name. Initially, small withdrawals are permitted to build trust, followed by continuous demands for further deposits under the guise of additional profits, and eventually, excessive taxes or fees are requested upon withdrawal, following a typical scam pattern.
Bloggers emphasize that if investment solicitations mention Professor Lee Jong Suk for institutional trading or special allocation investments, it is crucial to first verify the identity of the contact person and the structure of fund transfers. The mere presence of financial company logos or celebrity photos does not guarantee official investment status. They advise that any request for additional deposits from unverified investment sources is a critical warning sign of potential asset loss, urging immediate cessation of transactions and verification through official channels.
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