On Thursday, U.S. Forces Korea received reports of fake text and social media messages instructing Defense Department civilians to evacuate the Korean Peninsula.
The U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys Facebook page posted a screenshot of the text message that says it’s a “USFK Official Alert” and a real-world non-combatant evacuation operation order. The message is aimed at Defense Department family members and non-emergency essential DOD civilians on the peninsula.
U.S. Forces Korea confirmed on its Facebook page that the evacuation alert was false.
“USFK did NOT issue this message,” the post said. “All U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) family members are reminded to confirm any evacuation-related communications with their service member and unit non-combatant evacuation (NEO) representatives.”
USFK instructs anyone receiving the message to not click any links or open any attachments.
The command said to report these messages to 0503-323-3299 or 010-3100-0171.
The fake message comes during a tense situation on the Korean Peninsula, and around the world, as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un continues to perform nuclear tests and launch ballistic missiles — two of which have been fired over Japan.
There are more than 28,000 American troops stationed in South Korea. This includes 8th Army, 7th Air Force, U.S. Navy Korea, U.S. Marine Corps Forces-Korea and Special Operations Command Korea.
Charlsy is a Reporter and Engagement Manager for Military Times. Email her at cpanzino@militarytimes.com.
