An online romance led a man through a series of investment demands, costing him more than NT$5 million in 6 cash handovers. When the scammers asked for another NT$300,000, police arrested the cash collector in Neihu District, Taipei City, and prevented a further loss.

The case shows how romance scammers build trust through prolonged contact before steering victims into investments. After meeting an online contact last September, the man invested in funds, cryptocurrencies and gold. Despite paying over NT$5 million, he was pressed to add more money.

Police recently learned that the group planned another collection. After seeing a large amount of cash being handed over, officers arrested the collector and saved the NT$300,000. They seized a work phone, forged receipts and related funds, and referred the case for investigation on suspicion of fraud and money laundering.

Such scams often begin with frequent messages and expressions of concern, followed by claims of high returns, guaranteed profits or professional guidance. Collecting money in installments allows scammers to demand cash repeatedly and increase the loss within the same scheme.

If an online contact recommends funds, cryptocurrencies or gold but asks for cash to be given to a stranger or invested through an unknown platform, payments should be stopped while the operator's legitimacy is checked. Guaranteed returns and repeated pressure to invest more are warning signs. Call 165 for verification or 110 in an emergency.