Thieves Pose as Car Washers on South Korean App, Steal Vehicles

HWASEONG, South Korea — A scam on the popular South Korean secondhand trading platform Danggeun Market has left car owners reeling after thieves posing as free car wash providers stole their vehicles, prompting a police investigation.

On May 8, 2025, Hwaseong Dongtan Police Station received three reports of vehicle thefts in Hwaseong and nearby areas, according to authorities. The victims had responded to a post on Danggeun Market titled “Free Car Wash Service,” only to have their cars stolen.

The unidentified perpetrator claimed to represent a new mobile car wash business offering free services as a promotional campaign. The scammer instructed victims to leave their car keys inside the vehicles, assuring them that the cleaning would be handled seamlessly. “Just leave the key in the car, and we’ll take care of the rest,” the suspect reportedly told victims, adding, “Try us once, and if you’re satisfied, come back.”

Trusting the offer, the victims handed over their cars on the morning of May 8. By the afternoon, their vehicles were gone.

Police launched an immediate investigation and later that day located all three stolen cars at a scrapyard in Haman, South Gyeongsang Province, roughly 300 kilometers from Hwaseong. At the scene, authorities apprehended an accomplice who was dismantling one of the vehicles. The suspect, arrested on charges of aggravated theft, is believed to be a secondary figure involved in handling the stolen cars rather than the mastermind behind the Danggeun Market post.

The original post has since been deleted, but police are tracing its digital footprint and interviewing victims to identify the primary suspect. “We’re working to uncover the full scope of this case,” a police official said, noting that while the investigation is progressing, pinpointing the main culprit may take time.

The incident has raised alarms about the risks of online platforms, where seemingly generous offers can mask criminal intent. “Posts offering free services like car washes are not uncommon on Danggeun, but if there’s no clear incentive for the provider, it’s wise to be cautious,” the police official added. “We’re committed to resolving this case swiftly.”

Danggeun Market, a hyperlocal platform for trading goods and services, has grown rapidly in South Korea, but this case underscores the challenges of ensuring user safety. Authorities are urging users to verify the legitimacy of service providers before engaging.

team webdaily (2webdaily@gmail.com)

Copyright © 2020 : webdaily(웹데일리). All rights reserved.