How to Deal with Foreign Scams on Facebook and Instagram?
Scam tactics by foreigners on SNS are becoming increasingly sophisticated.
Especially on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, scammers often approach casually,
then slowly build a relationship that leads to financial requests.
This article introduces real-life scam cases to help you recognize these tactics
and provides practical countermeasures to avoid falling victim.
Real Case 1: Impersonating Military Personnel and Asking for Shipping Fees
An Instagram DM begins with "I'm a U.S. soldier stationed overseas."
After several friendly exchanges, the scammer says,
"I’ll send you a package" and asks for a shipping fee of hundreds of dollars.
They often steal real military photos and even use fake video call apps.
Any mention of sending a package and asking for advance fees is a scam.
Real Case 2: Romance Scam – Emotional Bonding Then Money Requests
After accepting a Facebook friend request, the person messages several times a day,
building emotional ties, then asks for money for investment, business, or airfare.
This is the infamous "romance scam" — one of the most common scams worldwide.
They say things like "I love you" and "I’ll visit you soon."
If financial transactions begin, it’s a clear warning sign.
Real Case 3: Posing as a Wealthy Foreigner Demanding Customs Fees
Claiming to be a real estate investor from the UK,
the scammer says they want to transfer their assets to Korea.
They then demand large sums of money for customs clearance or legal paperwork.
Fake emails and imitation websites are often used for deception.
Any customs fee or legal document request from a stranger is definitely a scam.
Essential Scam Prevention Checklist
| Checkpoint |
Description |
| Refuses Face Verification |
Declining real-time video calls is suspicious |
| Fast Love Declarations |
Expressing affection quickly is a red flag |
| Poor Language Use |
Messages often look like they were translated |
| Requests for Payment |
Any demand for prepayment or wire transfer is a scam |
Where to Report and Get Help
| Organization |
Contact |
Role |
| Korean National Police Agency |
www.police.go.kr |
Online scam reporting |
| KISA (Korea Internet & Security Agency) |
www.kisa.or.kr |
Phishing and spam reports |
| Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Consular Call Center) |
+82-2-3210-0404 |
Help for overseas-related scams |
Situation-Based Response Tips
"They're asking me to pay shipping for a package."
→ "Ask for a tracking number and the name of the courier company."
→ "No legitimate foreigner will ask you to pay their shipping fees."
"They sent me a contract for investment help."
→ "If the contract isn't in your native language, get legal advice."
→ "Unofficial document requests are usually scams."
Victim Story: A Real-life Account from Victim A
Victim A received a friend request on Facebook from someone claiming to be
a "colonel in the U.S. Army." After a few weeks of daily conversation,
he said he would retire soon and move his wealth to Korea.
He asked A to pay around 5 million KRW (~$3,800) as customs fees,
and once the money was sent, he disappeared.
"It comforted me to know I wasn’t the only one. I hope more people become aware."
Key Takeaways for Scam Prevention
| Category |
Key Statement |
| Approach Style |
Emotionally engaging, flirty, or gift-oriented |
| Scam Pattern |
Requests for money, shipping, or customs clearance |
| Prevention Tips |
Confirm with video calls, never send money |
| Reporting |
Use official channels like the police and KISA |
SNS scams, foreign fraud, scam stories, blog writing, search engine optimization
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