The Ministry of Finance issued a phishing scam alert on Tuesday, urging the public to stay cautious as registration begins for the NT$10,000 universal cash handout. The ministry warned that fraudulent websites are targeting citizens by imitating official government portals.
The ministry’s real-time monitoring system detected four fake websites last week, officials confirmed. Authorities acted quickly to block and remove the malicious domains before they could cause harm.
The phishing scam alert came after cybercriminals created websites resembling official registration pages. These fake sites attempted to collect personal and banking information from unsuspecting users. The ministry reminded citizens that all legitimate government websites end with “.gov.tw” and always include a dot before “gov.” Citizens should treat any domain containing extra letters or numbers before that format as suspicious.
The Ministry of Finance also emphasized that it never sends text messages, emails, or phone calls asking people to withdraw money or register personal information. It warned that scammers may attempt to trick people into using ATMs or online banking links sent through fraudulent messages.
To strengthen protection, the ministry formed a cross-agency anti-fraud task force with the Ministry of Digital Affairs and Financial Information Service Co. The task force now operates around the clock to monitor and remove fake URLs or counterfeit logos. The ministry instructed internet and network service providers to restrict access to these websites under Article 42 of the Fraud Crime Hazard Prevention Act.
Officials said that once a fake website is discovered, immediate measures are activated to block access and protect the public. The ministry stressed that the government will pursue all offenders involved in online fraud without leniency.
Online registration for the NT$10,000 cash handout begins tomorrow at 8 a.m. Applicants can register based on the last digit of their national ID or Alien Resident Certificate number. The phased registration runs until Sunday, after which open registration continues until April 30 next year.
Participants may choose from five collection methods, including direct deposit, ATM withdrawal, post office collection, roster distribution, and online registration. Funds are expected to be deposited as early as next Tuesday, depending on each bank’s process.
Experts say this phishing scam alert highlights growing cyber risks as more government services move online. They urge citizens to remain vigilant, verify website addresses, and rely only on official channels.
As Taiwan expands digital access to public programs, the ministry’s warning reinforces the importance of online security and public awareness to prevent fraud.
