Taiwanese Police and Store Clerk Foil NT$69,000 Religious Scam Targeting Low-Wage Worker

Taiwanese police and a convenience store clerk collaborated to thwart a religious scam that targeted a man earning only NT$30,000 a month. The incident involved a scammer posing as a "religious master" who promised immense wealth through lottery wins.

The victim was persuaded to purchase four "blessed Buddha statues" for NT$69,000, with the promise that these items would bring him significant financial luck, even predicting specific lottery amounts. Believing the claims, the man proceeded to a convenience store to pay for and collect the package.

However, a sharp-eyed store clerk, surnamed Chou, noticed that the weight of the package did not match the description of "golden statues." Suspecting a fraudulent scheme, the clerk stalled the customer while discreetly contacting the police through a dedicated anti-fraud hotline.

Officers from the Hengchun Police Precinct arrived at the scene and patiently explained to the victim that he was falling victim to a common "fake religious" scam. The man, realizing he was on the verge of losing over two months' worth of his hard-earned salary, expressed shock and relief. Police are reminding the public to be wary of online strangers and to verify any suspicious offers by calling the anti-fraud hotline.

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I wanted to seek windfall wealth, but almost lost my savings!