A woman in her 40s in Taichung nearly wired NT$500,000 for an investment after meeting an online acquaintance claiming to be a financial adviser. The scammer coached her to say the money was for home renovations and even prepare a renovation estimate, but inconsistent explanations alerted a bank teller, who notified police and stopped the transfer.

Chen told the bank the NT$500,000 was for home renovation and presented an estimate. After the teller noticed discrepancies, officers from Taiping Police Station arrived and questioned her. She then admitted that the online acquaintance had promised to manage investments for her and persuaded her to transfer the money.

The scammer had also instructed Chen on how to respond to bank staff and police, attempting to make the transfer appear legitimate. Despite the prepared estimate, her statements did not match and the teller detected the irregularities before the money was sent.

The case highlights a common investment scam tactic: fraudsters may not only promise profits but also coach victims to conceal the real purpose of a transfer. In this case, the instructions included preparing a renovation estimate and using home repairs as the stated reason for payment.

People should be cautious if online strangers ask for money for financial management or investment, especially when they tell them to hide the real purpose from a bank. Verify the person's identity and investment channel first, and do not follow instructions to mislead bank staff or police.