“Financial Institutions Come Together to Support Victims of Charter Fraud in Korea”

As the damage from charter fraud, which started in Michuhol-gu, Incheon, spreads as a social problem, financial institutions such as banks and credit card companies are coming out one after another to support the damage. As the number of participating financial institutions continues to increase, the scale of support is expected to further increase.

According to the financial sector on the 23rd, the four major commercial banks (Shinhan, KB Kookmin, Hana, and Woori) announced a win-win financial support plan that provides special loans and reduces interest for victims of charter fraud.

Woori Bank, which first announced its support measures, will provide a total of 530 billion won in emergency loans to affected households. To ease the burden, the interest rate is reduced by 2%p for the first year, and the lowest interest rate for each product is applied thereafter.

KB Kookmin Bank and Shinhan Bank provide emergency loans such as jeonse, purchase funds, and meridian loans, and reduce interest rates by up to 2%p for 1 to 2 years. Hana Bank completely exempts interest for the first year, as well as guarantee fees, stamp duty, bond discount fees, and early redemption cancellation fees.

Banks also presented non-financial support plans such as legal support and loan counseling. Shinhan Bank, along with the Korea Legal Aid Corporation, supports victims in litigation, appointment of lawyers, and other legal counseling. Woori Bank installs a mobile store near the Jeonse Damage Support Center in Incheon to provide loan counseling staff and safety confirmation services for real estate rights. Hana Bank also organizes a loan counseling support group in its head office to help victims with loan counseling.

The credit card industry also rolled up its arms to support the victims. According to the Credit Finance Association, nine credit card companies in Korea (Shinhan, Samsung, KB Kookmin, Hyundai, Lotte, Woori, Hana, BC, and NH Nonghyup) offer deferment (up to six months) of credit card payments for victims of charter fraud.

Some credit card companies provide additional support such as amortization after the end of the grace period, exemption or reduction of overdue fees, deferred collection of overdue amounts (up to 6 months), and discounts on short- and long-term card loan interest rates.

In order to apply for financial support, the fact of damage must be confirmed through a damage confirmation certificate issued by the Jeonse Damage Support Center. Even if you are eligible for support, the availability and conditions of support may differ for each card company.

On the other hand, on the 21st, the Financial Supervisory Service established a large-scale task force (TF) consisting of three teams, including the general and external affairs team, the auction suspension team inspection team, and the comprehensive financial support center operation team, centered on Lee Jun-su, vice president of banks and small and medium-sized working people. The TF plans to share information related to support for victims of charter fraud with related ministries in real time, and strengthen guidance by linking support programs implemented by related ministries such as the Financial Services Commission and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport at the Comprehensive Financial Support Center.

[ 경기신문 = 고현솔 기자 ]