Recently, there have been numerous reports of fraud cases, and some victims have fallen prey to what's known as "secondary fraud." Scammers take advantage of victims' eagerness to recover lost funds and employ deceptive tactics once again. Here are some common types of secondary fraud:
Fake Police or Prosecutor Scams
Scammers impersonate police officers or prosecutors, claiming they have arrested a suspect and require the victim to pay a "processing fee" or "deposit" to recover the lost funds. They then ask for bank transfers, credit card payments, or cash delivery.
Fake Bank Employee Scams
Fraudsters pose as bank staff, claiming that the funds have been recovered but that previous transaction records need to be cleared. They instruct the victims to operate ATMs, leading to the transfer of remaining funds out of their accounts.
Fake Lawyer Scams
Impostors advertise on the internet, claiming that lawyers can help recover scammed funds and provide free consultation services. Once the victim seeks help, the scammer requests legal fees or personal bank account details. Ultimately, the money disappears, and the victim may even unknowingly become involved in further fraudulent activities.
Fake Information Scams
Scammers post on social media or community forums, claiming they can use hacking techniques or special channels to recover scammed funds. They lure victims to join designated LINE accounts and then request processing fees or deposits under various pretenses.
How to Distinguish Between Real and Fake Police or Prosecutors?
If you receive a call claiming to be from the police or prosecutor's office, verify the caller's unit and title first, then hang up. Search for the official contact information of the relevant agency and call to confirm. Avoid directly calling back the number provided by the caller.
How to Verify a Lawyer's Identity?
You can use the "Ministry of Justice's Lawyer Verification System" (https://lawyerbc.moj.gov.tw/) to confirm a lawyer’s credentials. The system only lists practicing lawyers who have passed the bar exam and completed their internships. In addition, the Legal Aid Foundation offers free legal consultation services, making it safer to seek help from such organizations.
What to Do If You Fall Victim to Fraud?
If you realize you've been scammed, immediately call 110 to report it to the police or seek assistance from the 165 Anti-Fraud Hotline. Do not trust unknown hackers or organizations claiming they can recover your funds, as you might fall into another scam trap.
The police remind everyone to stay vigilant against the ever-evolving fraudulent tactics, especially when it comes to promises of "recovering scammed funds." Always remain calm and avoid becoming a victim of secondary fraud.
