The Fraud Prevention Office of the New Taipei City Police Department stated that scam techniques have evolved rapidly in recent years. Traditional schemes such as “fake investments” and “fake police/prosecutor scams” have now combined with new methods involving eSIMs and SIM cards. Fraud groups use these tools to control victims’ accounts and transfer funds with increasingly sophisticated tactics.
Police remind the public that a mobile number is equivalent to a digital personal identity, and must never be handed over, mailed, or transferred to others to avoid being exploited by scammers.
New Scam Tactics Exposed
Police analysis shows that scammers commonly lure victims with investment or loan schemes:
- Fake investment scam + SIM control: Victims click on social-media links leading to scam sites, and are eventually instructed to mail their SIM card and bank card—resulting in losses of over NT$1 million.
- Fake loan scam + eSIM registration: Victims are told to visit telecom stores to apply for multiple eSIMs and provide ID copies and QR codes. Their numbers are later flagged as scam numbers.
Police have seized forged business cards, SIM cards, and fake application documents, indicating that scammers mass-produce “ghost phone numbers” for fraud operations.
(Fake investment scam combined with SIM control / Photo by Pexels)
Four Key Anti-Fraud Principles
New Taipei Police urge the public to stay alert and follow these rules:
- Do not lend your phone number: eSIMs and SIM cards are digital IDs—never hand them over.
- Beware of scam keywords: Phrases like “guaranteed profit,” “high returns,” or requests for “account verification.”
- Reject unreasonable requests: Do not mail your SIM, provide your phone, or send QR codes.
- Verify immediately: Call the 165 Anti-Fraud Hotline or contact police if you suspect a scam.
Legal Responsibilities and Warnings
Under the Fraud Crime Prevention Act, telecom operators must verify a user’s identity before activating service. Failure to do so may result in fines up to NT$2 million.
Police also warn that lending, selling, or transferring eSIM/SIM cards may constitute aiding fraud and will lead to legal consequences.
