Kaohsiung Beverage Stores Lose Over NT$7,000 to Malicious Order Cancellations; Police Warn of Legal Penalties

Two beverage shops in Kaohsiung's Fengshan District have fallen victim to a malicious "order cancellation" scam, resulting in a combined loss of NT$7,640. The incidents involved large orders placed online, with the perpetrators intentionally providing incorrect delivery information, leading to undelivered drinks and financial losses for the businesses.

The first incident occurred on the evening of August 2, when one store received an online order for 38 drinks. The delivery driver arrived at the specified address in Kaohsiung's Niaosong District, only to find no one to receive the order. Attempts to contact the number provided for the order were unsuccessful, and the customer denied placing it, leaving the store with a loss of NT$1,330.

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The perpetrator has violated Article 355 of the Criminal Code, which pertains to fraud causing property damage, and could face up to three years in prison, detention, or a fine of up to NT$15,000.

Just a day later, another chain store in Fengshan District faced a similar situation. This time, two online orders totaling 126 drinks were placed, again with the delivery destination being the same address in Niaosong District. As with the previous case, the delivery personnel could not reach anyone at the location, and the contact number was unresponsive. The store suffered a loss of NT$6,310.

Fengshan police are investigating the incidents. They noted that the stores' online ordering systems allow third parties to place orders using any name, phone number, and address. While the stores have not yet decided to press charges, as the offense is a misdemeanor, police have advised them of their legal rights. Authorities are reminding the public that intentionally defrauding businesses by placing fake orders constitutes a violation of Article 355 of the Criminal Code, punishable by up to three years in prison, a fine, or both. They urged citizens to engage in honest consumption to maintain fair trade practices.

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We urge the public to refrain from malicious ordering or using others' information to prank merchants. If it is confirmed that someone intentionally used fraud to make merchants produce goods, causing property damage, they will be prosecuted.