New Taipei police and dentists launch first anti-fraud waiting rooms, but patients keep asking about implant discounts

New Taipei police have turned dental-clinic waiting rooms into neighborhood classrooms on fraud prevention, but patients have recently made dental implants the most popular topic.

The city police department created the “anti-fraud waiting station” program with the New Taipei Dentists’ Association. Clinics use existing televisions and electronic displays to play short videos explaining current scam methods. Officers from the Luzhou Precinct have also visited clinics and used patients’ waiting time to share fraud-prevention information.

The campaign addresses scams ranging from fake investments and online shopping offers to messages impersonating relatives. Police say fraud groups often use claims such as “high returns” and “guaranteed profits,” pretend that a family member urgently needs money, or pose as customer-service representatives asking victims to operate online banking. AI voice cloning and deepfake images can make those approaches appear more convincing.

Police said anti-fraud outreach once focused mainly on large events and designated venues. By working with dental clinics, they hope to bring simple explanations of common scam scripts and ways to expose them into people’s everyday routines. The Luzhou Precinct urged residents to remember three rules: do not respond, do not enter information, and do not transfer money. Anyone who suspects a scam can call Taiwan’s 165 hotline or consult a local police station.