Weng Yu-da, the director of Houhu Police Station under the Second Precinct of the Chiayi City Police Department, along with officer Li Yue-chi, were on patrol duty when they received a call from a bank clerk on Zhongxiao Road. The clerk reported that an elderly man surnamed Lu was attempting to withdraw NT$2.5 million, claiming it was for renovating his ancestral home-raising suspicions of a possible scam. The police promptly arrived on site to investigate.
Upon arrival, the officers inquired about the purpose of the large withdrawal. Mr. Lu reiterated that the money was to pay a contractor for the home renovation. However, when asked to provide the contractor&rsquos details, he could not give a clear answer, arousing further concern.
After patient questioning, Mr. Lu finally opened up and admitted he had seen an investment advertisement online. He added a LINE contact and was then guided by an "assistant" of a so-called stock market guru. After learning more about the situation, police explained that this was a classic investment scam, and that members in the investment chat group were likely all actors.
Still skeptical, Mr. Lu insisted on withdrawing the cash, saying he had "won" 13 shares in a stock allocation and needed to pay NT$2.1 million in settlement fees. He feared that failure to pay on time via a designated stock trading app would result in a breach of contract, loss of earnings, and even legal action from the Financial Supervisory Commission or the district prosecutor's office.
The officers patiently reassured him, explaining that scammers exploit victims&rsquo unfamiliarity with stock markets and use fear tactics to pressure them into handing over cash. They emphasized that if he followed the scammers' instructions, he would not be able to withdraw any returns and would suffer financial loss.
The police shared other examples of similar fake investment scams with Mr. Lu and urged him to remain calm and avoid meeting anyone to hand over cash. After careful consideration, Mr. Lu realized he had nearly fallen for a scam and gratefully thanked the officers for their timely warning and thorough explanation, which saved his hard-earned money.
The Chiayi City Police Department's Second Precinct stated that scammers often use social media to befriend victims, lure them into fake investment groups, and trick them into downloading suspicious apps&mdashultimately leading them into a trap. The public is urged to remain cautious when faced with offers promising high returns. If in doubt, call the anti-fraud hotline 165 or consult a local police station to avoid becoming a victim.
Source: National Police Agency
