In recent years, fraud cases have become increasingly rampant, with criminals colluding with professionals to deceive property owners into setting up fraudulent mortgage loans, leading to significant financial losses. To curb such crimes, the Taipei City Land Administration Bureau and various Land Offices have actively promoted the "Real-Time Land Registration Alert" service, proactively monitoring non-financial institution mortgage registrations. Recently, a citizen successfully prevented a NT$5 million scam using this system.
Real-Time Notifications Help Children Uncover Fraud
The Shilin Land Office recently processed a private mortgage registration and pre-registration case. During the process, staff reminded the applicant to carefully consider the purpose of the funds and potential financial restrictions resulting from the registration. However, the individual had already been deceived by fraudulent schemes and failed to recognize any red flags.
Fortunately, their children were vigilant and had previously registered for the "Real-Time Land Registration Alert" service. Once the registration was submitted, the system immediately sent a notification to the children’s registered mobile number and email, alerting them of property changes. Realizing something was wrong, the children promptly accompanied the applicant back to the Land Office. With the assistance of staff, they confirmed the fraud attempt and successfully prevented the mortgage registration, saving them from a NT$5 million financial loss.
The applicant later revealed that fraudsters had contacted them via an unknown phone call, claiming to assist with the sale of cemetery plots while promising high returns. However, they were told that to proceed, they first needed to take out a mortgage on their property to obtain funding for the transaction. Believing the scam, the applicant nearly fell victim.
Land Office Urges Residents to Use This "Security System" to Protect Their Property
Cheng Yichang, director of the Shilin Land Office, pointed out that many fraud cases involving mortgage registration often include additional pre-registration or trust registration, making scams more complex and harder to detect. He strongly recommends citizens sign up for the "Real-Time Land Registration Alert" service, which allows users to register two mobile numbers and email addresses. Whenever property transfers, mortgages, document reissuance, or any of the 12 key registration activities occur, the system will instantly send SMS and email notifications to the owner and their family, providing an opportunity to detect and prevent fraud in time.
Cheng emphasized that the "Real-Time Land Registration Alert" acts as a free property security system, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized transfers or mortgage registrations. The successful prevention of this NT$5 million scam was a direct result of the system's alerts. He encourages citizens to spread awareness and help their friends and family stay vigilant, working together to combat fraud.
Real-Time Land Registration Alert – Easy and Secure Fraud Prevention (Photo: Screenshot from the Ministry of the Interior Department of Land Administration website)
