Taiwan Police Stop Woman from Withdrawing $1.36 Million for Gold in Scam Attempt

A woman in Taoyuan, Taiwan, narrowly avoided losing NT$1.36 million to a sophisticated scam after police intervened as she attempted to withdraw the funds to purchase gold. The incident highlights the persistent threat of "fake police" scams that prey on citizens' trust in law enforcement.

The victim, identified only as Ms. Li, was approached in mid-May by a man claiming to be Officer Chen. He falsely informed her that she was implicated in a money-laundering case and needed to cooperate with an investigation. Following his instructions, she was later contacted by individuals posing as prosecutors who sent her fabricated judicial documents, convincing her of the alleged crime.

Under the guise of "investigation confidentiality," the scammers instructed Ms. Li to withdraw her savings and buy gold, which they claimed would be used for "fund supervision." Her nervous demeanor at a financial institution on July 15 alerted a police officer stationed there. The officer, along with the institution's anti-corruption personnel, intervened and successfully persuaded Ms. Li that she was being targeted by fraudsters.

Authorities are reminding the public that legitimate judicial and police agencies never conduct investigations over the phone or via messaging apps, nor do they demand citizens hand over money or purchase gold for safekeeping. They urge anyone receiving suspicious calls to stay calm and verify the information by contacting the anti-fraud hotline at 165 or the emergency number 110.

“

The judicial and police authorities will never handle cases by phone or messaging apps, nor will they ask the public to hand over property, buy gold, or keep funds on their behalf.