Taiwan (TW)

Taiwan's most damaging scam: a caller claims to be a prosecutor, police officer, or official from the Ministry of Justice, stating that the victim's bank account or identity has been implicated in money-laundering or drug trafficking. Victims are told to keep the call secret and transfer all funds to a "safe account" operated by the caller. The caller may send a fake official LINE account or an ID photo as false authentication. The National Police Agency's 165 hotline specifically warns about this tactic, which has caused billions of NT dollars in losses annually.

Taiwan uses LINE messaging heavily, and scammers exploit this to run investment fraud at scale. Facebook ads or random LINE adds lead victims into group chats managed by a fake "investment teacher" (老師) and their assistants. The group shows fabricated screenshots of gains. Victims are guided to deposit funds into a proprietary app that shows impressive but fictitious returns. Small initial withdrawals are permitted to build trust. When the victim attempts to withdraw larger amounts, invented "tax clearance fees," "security deposits," or "commission fees" are demanded — then all contact ceases. In January 2025 alone, Taichung prosecutors charged 7 people in a single scheme that defrauded a victim of NT$13.7 million.

SMS and LINE messages impersonating major Taiwanese banks (CTBC, Cathay United, Fubon, E.SUN, Chunghwa Post) or the National Taxation Bureau claim that the recipient's account needs verification or that a tax refund is pending. The link leads to a fake page that captures card numbers, internet banking passwords, and OTPs. Because many expats have recently set up bank accounts and are unfamiliar with normal bank communications, they are disproportionately vulnerable.

Fraudulent rental listings for apartments in Taipei, Taichung, and other major cities appear on 591.com.tw, Facebook groups, and LINE community boards. The "landlord" — often claiming to be overseas — requests a deposit before any viewing, citing high demand. Foreigners seeking accommodation before arriving in Taiwan are a specific target. Properties are either non-existent, already rented, or the poster has no authority to rent them.

Scammers advertise job offers to foreigners that require working on a tourist or visa-exempt entry, or promise a work permit that never materialises. Some employers pay cash below the declared salary to avoid payroll taxes, while others request "processing fees" or hold the worker's passport. Taiwan's Workforce Development Agency (WDA) and National Immigration Agency (NIA) actively pursue illegal employment, meaning victims risk both financial loss and immigration consequences.