Chef Scammed Out of NT$600,000 in Virtual Currency Fraud; Suspect Apprehended After Chase

In a stark reminder of the evolving tactics of online fraudsters, a chef in Taipei has lost a staggering NT$600,000 after being lured into a virtual currency investment scam facilitated through a dating application. The case highlights the insidious nature of these schemes, which prey on unsuspecting individuals seeking connection and financial gain.

The victim, identified by the surname Chen, reportedly met a woman named 'A Ting' on the dating app 'VEEKA' in early April. 'A Ting' skillfully manipulated Chen, convincing him of lucrative virtual currency investment opportunities. This led Chen to download a fraudulent investment app and transfer approximately 6,000 Tether coins (equivalent to about NT$200,000) into a designated digital wallet.

However, the deception did not end there. The scammer then pressured Chen to engage in face-to-face transactions to increase his account level and supposedly secure higher returns. Blinded by the prospect of substantial profits, Chen handed over an additional NT$400,000 to a courier dispatched by the fraud syndicate in mid-April. It was only after this significant loss that Chen's wife became aware of the situation and promptly reported the incident to the police.

Responding swiftly, the Da'an Precinct dispatched a special task force. They were alerted that Chen was preparing for another face-to-face transaction of NT$380,000 on the morning of April 21st. Police officers ambushed the suspect, a 51-year-old man identified as Zhang, as he arrived to collect the money in the Xinyi Road area. Upon realizing he was caught, Zhang attempted to escape, discarding the transaction funds and personal belongings, and fled on foot for nearly 100 meters through traffic before being apprehended by the pursuing officers.

Zhang claimed he was merely following instructions from an online job and was unaware of the fraudulent nature of the transaction. However, police dismissed his defense as an attempt to downplay his involvement and have transferred him to the Taipei District Prosecutors Office on suspicion of fraud. Authorities are expanding their investigation to uncover any potential accomplices. The police urge the public to exercise extreme caution, emphasizing that scamming methods are constantly evolving, shifting from traditional methods to virtual currency transactions. They advise citizens to be wary of online solicitations, avoid clicking on suspicious links, and adhere to the principle of "listen, hang up, verify" to prevent falling victim to such traps.

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The attacker has been apprehended.