Taipei authorities are investigating a telecom fraud scam that stole NT$83 million, or US$2.6 million, from a New Taipei City woman. Criminals exploited her personal information, bank accounts, and insurance policies to siphon the funds over three months.
The scam began in April when the victim received a call from someone claiming to represent Chunghwa Telecom’s Risk Control Department. The caller said someone attempted to register a phone line in her name and urged her to contact an anti-fraud hotline immediately.
She then spoke with a person pretending to be a hotline agent. This individual falsely accused her of assisting scammers and instructed her to join a Line chat group. Unbeknownst to her, criminals operated the group.
Inside the chat, a member posing as a prosecutor warned her not to speak to anyone outside the group. They threatened detention if she did not cooperate. Additionally, they instructed her to transfer money to a so-called Financial Supervisory Commission account, change passwords, sell stock, and refund insurance.
The scammers also told her to set the account as a designated transfer account and increase her daily transaction limit to NT$3 million. Consequently, she made over 70 transactions in three months.
In July, the victim grew suspicious after noticing her messages went unread. She promptly reported the situation to police. Former prosecutor Ho Ko-fan advised that real prosecutors never ask for banking passwords or transfers through messaging apps.
Authorities said the telecom fraud scam demonstrates how criminals exploit fear and technology to manipulate victims. Therefore, they urged citizens to verify suspicious calls and never follow instructions from unknown sources.
The case highlights the growing threat of telecom fraud scams in Taiwan. Law enforcement continues to track the perpetrators and recover stolen funds.
Officials emphasized public education and fast reporting as crucial steps to prevent similar scams. Citizens should remain vigilant and alert authorities immediately about suspicious activity.
