[Herald Business (Gwangju) = Reporter Seo In-ju] The Gwangju Fire and Safety Headquarters warned residents and businesses to be extra vigilant after identifying a scam on the 16th in which fraudsters impersonated fire officials.
According to the headquarters, at about 8:10 p.m. on the 16th, a gosiwon (a small, budget boarding house) in Yongbong-dong, Buk-gu received a call from someone posing as a fire department official who said lodging facilities must have gaseous fire-suppression canisters.
The caller referenced an upcoming fire inspection and falsely claimed a fine of 2,800,000 KRW (about $2,100) would be imposed if the canisters were not installed. Believing the call, the gosiwon operator wired roughly 5,000,000 KRW (about $3,750) as a deposit to buy the canisters. The fraud was uncovered when the victim contacted the fire station to verify the regulations.
Gwangju fire authorities classified the incident as impersonation of a public official and advised the victim to report it to police immediately.
The city has received a string of similar reports in recent days. Since the 9th, officials have recorded six suspected cases of fraud involving people posing as fire authorities.
On the 9th, a lodging facility in Songjeong-dong, Gwangsan-gu received a document that appeared to be from the fire authority titled “Notice to install automatic fire-suppression devices in lodging facilities.” On the 10th, a hotel in Geum-dong, Dong-gu received a call from someone impersonating the fire department who claimed each floor must install gaseous suppression canisters.
Similar scams involving people posing as fire officials have been reported nationwide.
The Gwangju Fire Headquarters said it does not require lodging facilities to install gaseous suppression canisters, nor does it levy fines for failing to install them.
Officials urged the public to verify any calls or documents from people claiming to represent a public agency—especially if they pressure citizens or businesses to purchase equipment or mention fines. They emphasized not responding to requests for money transfers and to confirm such claims with the fire station or the police first.
“Public officials do not force purchases over the phone or pre-notify fines,” said Ko Young-guk, head of the Gwangju Fire and Safety Headquarters. “If you encounter a similar case, report it immediately to help prevent further harm.”
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