Fraud Impersonating the Ministry of Finance Resurges, Nationwide Tourism Highlights Launch Special Offers, Jiaoxi Light Festival Illuminates the Winter Season, Long-Term Care 3.0 to Roll Out Early, and Taoyuan Airport's Terminal 3 Begins Trial Operations.
Let's take a look at this week's top news stories.
【1】Fake Ministry of Finance Emails Resurface, Using “Prize Notices” and Cash Payout Scams to Target Victims
A new wave of phishing emails is circulating, pretending to be from the Ministry of Finance or the National Taxation Bureau.
These messages look official and often claim to be tax investigation notices, e-invoice prize alerts, or cash payout notifications.
They urge people to open suspicious .zip, .exe, or .html attachments — which may secretly install malware that steals passwords, credit card info, or even remotely controls your device.
Authorities stress that government agencies will never send compressed files or strange links. Emails not ending with “gov.tw” should be considered fraudulent.
Citizens are advised to delete suspicious messages immediately and verify through the 165 Anti-Fraud Hotline.
【2】Tourism Administration and Award-Winning Destinations Launch Nationwide Travel Discounts
After announcing the latest Tourism Highlight Awards, popular attractions around Taiwan are launching special limited-time deals — covering hotels, restaurants, theme parks, shopping, and unique local activities.
Some highlights include:
• Travel packages worth up to NT$16,000
• A stamp-collecting game with prizes like pure gold and the newest iPhone
• Free Friday entry to the National Museum of Natural Science
• Special benefits at the National Center for Traditional Arts for Yilan residents
Plus, many places are offering social-media check-in gifts, cultural events, and exclusive lodging packages to boost domestic tourism and support local communities.
【3】2025 Jiaoxi Hot Spring Light Festival Illuminates the Town Through March 2026
The sixth annual Jiaoxi Hot Spring Light Festival kicked off on November 28 and runs all the way until March 4, 2026. Lights are on nightly until 11 p.m.
This year's event features four themed zones across the town — all inspired by hot springs and floral designs.
The main installation, “Spring Blossom Dance,” stands five meters tall and blends water-flow imagery with floating petals.
Walking paths are filled with light displays and photo spots, perfect for a relaxing nighttime stroll.
Local shops are also joining in, encouraging daytime hot spring visits paired with nighttime illumination tours.
【4】Taiwan Becomes a Super-Aged Society; Long-Term Care 3.0 to Be Implemented Ahead of Schedule
As Taiwan officially enters a super-aged society, the need for long-term care is growing fast.
To respond, the government will launch Long-Term Care 3.0 ahead of schedule next year.
The updated program focuses on:
• person-centered and community-based care
• healthy aging
• aging in place
• better medical-care integration
A major goal is to shorten the waiting period between hospital discharge and receiving long-term care services — aiming for within two days by 2026, and even same-day service by 2030.
The plan will also widen eligibility and provide more support to ease the burden on family caregivers.
【5】Taoyuan Airport Terminal 3 North Concourse Begins Trial Operations
Taoyuan International Airport's Terminal 3 North Concourse began trial operations on December 1, adding eight new gates, D11 to D18.
The first test flights were handled by China Airlines, Starlux Airlines, and EVA Air.
The concourse stretches 738 meters, features a 13-meter-high ceiling, and uses expansive glass walls that let travelers watch airfield operations directly.
Seat layouts and passenger flow have been fully optimized.
Once fully operational, it's expected to boost the airport's annual capacity by about 5.8 million passengers.
The rest of Terminal 3 is on track for completion in 2027, raising total capacity to around 45 million passengers per year.
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