A vigilant citizen who was nearly tricked into handing over cash to a voice phishing organization was saved thanks to a police officer's quick thinking.

According to the Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency on the 13th, Police Officer Jung Ye-jong of the Sanjeong Patrol Division under the Mokpo Police Station was dispatched around 2:24 PM on October 7 after receiving a report from a bank teller that a citizen was attempting to withdraw 26 million won in cash.

Officer Jung became suspicious when he discovered that the citizen had visited the bank while on a phone call with someone, yet had left their mobile phone at home. Upon visiting the citizen's home, he found that the mobile phone was still actively connected in a call with a member of the organization.

Confirming that the scammer had instructed the citizen to put the cash in a black envelope and leave it in a mailbox, Officer Jung prepared a trap. He placed a speaker inside an envelope, taped it shut to mimic a bundle of cash, and lay in wait near the mailbox.

Around 3:35 PM the same day, a money collector appeared and started searching the mailbox. Officer Jung, who had been closely monitoring the situation, apprehended the suspect red-handed at approximately 3:37 PM.

An official from the Jeonnam Police Agency stated, "This is an outstanding example showcasing the quick wit of an officer in the field," adding, "We will do our utmost to protect the assets of our citizens."

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]