By Chyung Eun-ju
Twelve high school students have been caught for allegedly scamming more than 200 people in partnership with a voice phishing organization, according to police on Tuesday.
Daegu Police Station arrested a high school ring leader, surnamed Kim, 18, and two others allegedly involved. Nine other teens are also accused.
In this joint financial swindling scheme with grown-ups, the teens role was to withdraw cash.
Kim allegedly told one victim, in his 40s, in March,“I change your existing loans to a low-interest loan,” according to police. The victim then transferred 2 million won ($1,700) to Kim, who received 5 percent of the money as commission.
The students allegedly scammed 206 people into wiring a total of 980 million won and made 50 million won in commissions.
Kim recruited the scammers by sending a text message saying, “Recruiting for Cash Withdrawal Part-Time Job,” according to police.
Police also booked 30 adults for allegedly violating the Electronic Financial Transaction Act. They allegedly provided bank accounts for the teens, who sent around 2 to 3 million won to each account.