Voucher Loan Users' Debts Snowball as Operators Exploit Borrowers

KBS has uncovered the reality of 'voucher loans,' where people in urgent need of cash borrow money using gift certificates and fall into massive debt when they can't repay. Investigations show voucher loan operators actively encouraged users to borrow more and profited by sharing debt information among themselves.

A person identified as Mr. A, who needed 2.5 million won, borrowed 500,000 won each from five different voucher loan operators last October. As the repayment date approached, one operator suggested a 'rollover' scheme. This method involves borrowing from another lender to cover existing debts. In the process, Mr. A was coerced into borrowing more than he originally needed. As a result, his debt ballooned from 2.5 million won to 69 million won in just four months.

Operators like 'President Choi' ran group chats where they shared debtor information, discussed repayment status, and even bad-mouthed borrowers.

Police have launched an investigation, identifying over 120 entities, including voucher trading cafe operators and loan shark firms. A voucher company operator who dealt with a 30-something woman recently found dead has been placed under a travel ban.