KB Financial Group runs mobile training lab to ease digital divide, prevent voice phishing

A food truck operated by KB Financial Group / Courtesy of KB Financial Group

KB Financial Group partnered with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to launch a mobile voice phishing prevention program to raise awareness of financial fraud among the elderly, the group announced Wednesday.

The initiative is part of the group's broader efforts to bridge the digital and financial literacy gap in remote rural areas where internet access and digital awareness remain limited.

KB will operate a food truck that serves as a mobile hub for anti-voice phishing education.

The vehicle will travel to rural regions across the country, including Jinan, North Jeolla Province; Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province; Damyang, South Jeolla Province; Asan, South Chungcheong Province; and Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province.

University student volunteers trained in anti-scam education through a ministry-supervised program will give information sessions using content developed by KB Financial.

The sessions will cover how to detect common fraud tactics, including phishing texts with malicious links that compromise personal data and passwords when clicked.

The training will also address fake refund schemes and malicious app installations designed to steal financial information.

The program aims to raise awareness and provide practical tools for recognizing and reporting scams, especially for older adults who are often the most vulnerable to these types of crimes.

“This initiative is part of our commitment to inclusive finance,” a KB Financial official said.

“Our goal is to educate and protect elderly customers — one of the most at-risk groups for financial fraud — ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against cybercrime.”

The group plans to continue expanding customized, community-based financial education programs nationwide.

According to the Ministry of Science and ICT, voice phishing damages exceeded 600 billion won ($432 million) in the first half of this year, up from 324.3 billion won from the previous year.