What scams commonly target foreigners in Taiwan?

Taiwan is generally one of the safest countries in Asia, but scams do exist and foreigners can be especially vulnerable due to language barriers and unfamiliarity with local systems. The National Police Agency's 165 Anti-Scam Hotline received over 30,000 reports in 2025, with total losses exceeding NT$8 billion.

Scams most commonly targeting foreigners

Key warning signs across all scam types

• Unsolicited contact from strangers (especially on LINE or Facebook)
• Pressure to act quickly ("limited time offer", "urgent")
• Requests to transfer money to personal bank accounts
• Promises of guaranteed high returns
• Requests for personal information (ARC number, bank details)
• Communication only through messaging apps (avoiding phone calls or in-person meetings)

How do phone and SMS scams work?

Phone scams are the most traditional type in Taiwan and have become highly sophisticated.

Common phone scam scripts

1. Fake government official: "This is the police/tax office/court. Your ARC/bank account has been flagged for money laundering. You must transfer funds to a 'safe account' immediately or face arrest." — Government agencies will NEVER ask you to transfer money by phone.

2. Fake delivery notification: "Your package couldn't be delivered. Press 1 to reschedule." This redirects you to a scammer posing as a postal worker or customs officer who then claims your package contains illegal items.

3. Fake bank alert: SMS saying "Your credit card has an unauthorized charge of NT$XX,XXX. Call this number to dispute." The number connects to a scammer who asks for your card details.

4. Telecom scam: "Your phone number will be disconnected in 2 hours due to unpaid bills. Press 9 to speak to customer service."

How to protect yourself

• Never transfer money based on a phone call, no matter who claims to be calling
• Government agencies communicate by official letter, not phone calls demanding immediate payment
• If unsure, hang up and call the organization directly using the number from their official website
• Register your phone number on the Do Not Call list (勿擾服務) at the NCC website
• Check suspicious numbers on the 165 anti-scam database at 165.npa.gov.tw

SMS-specific scams

• Fake toll payment notices (eTag)
• Fake tax refund links
• Package delivery phishing links
• "Your account has been locked" messages from fake banks

Rule of thumb: Never click links in unexpected SMS messages. Go directly to the official website or app instead.

What about online shopping and investment scams?

Online shopping scams

These typically occur on Facebook Marketplace, Instagram shops, and various social media platforms:

• One-page shopping sites (一頁式購物): Flashy ads on Facebook or Instagram leading to a single product page with incredible discounts. You pay but receive either nothing, a counterfeit product, or something completely different from what was advertised.
• Social media sellers: Individuals selling goods through Facebook groups or Instagram who collect payment but never ship.
• Fake e-commerce sites: Professional-looking websites that mimic legitimate stores.

Red flags for shopping scams:

• Prices dramatically below market value (e.g., iPhone for NT$5,000)
• Only accepts bank transfer or cash on delivery (no credit card)
• No physical address or customer service phone number
• Website was recently created
• Only positive reviews that all sound similar
• "Limited stock" or "sale ending today" pressure tactics

Safe shopping tips:

• Stick to established platforms: Shopee, Momo, PChome — these have buyer protection
• Use credit card payments (easier to dispute fraudulent charges)
• Check the seller's reviews and history before buying
• If using Facebook Marketplace, meet in person in a public place

Investment and cryptocurrency scams

This is the highest-loss scam category in Taiwan. Common patterns:

1. Social media recruitment: Someone contacts you on LINE, Facebook, or a dating app. After building rapport, they introduce an "amazing investment opportunity" — usually crypto, forex, or stocks.

2. Fake trading platforms: You're directed to download an app or visit a website that looks like a real trading platform. You deposit money, see "profits" on screen, but when you try to withdraw, you're told to pay taxes, fees, or deposits first.

3. Group chat manipulation: You're added to a LINE or Telegram group where multiple accounts (all controlled by scammers) discuss their "profits" to create social proof.

4. Guaranteed returns: Any investment promising guaranteed returns of 10%+ per month is almost certainly a scam.

Red flags:

• "Guaranteed" or "risk-free" returns
• Pressure to invest more to "unlock" your profits
• Unable to withdraw funds (always a new excuse)
• The platform isn't registered with Taiwan's Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC)

Verify before investing: Check www.fsc.gov.tw for licensed financial institutions in Taiwan.

How do rental scams work in Taiwan?

Finding an apartment as a foreigner in Taiwan can be stressful, and scammers exploit this urgency.

Common rental scam tactics

1. Fake listings: Attractive apartment photos at below-market prices posted on 591.com.tw, Facebook groups, or PTT. The "landlord" asks for a deposit before viewing, then disappears.

2. Bait and switch: A listing shows a beautiful apartment, but when you arrive, the landlord claims it's "just been rented" and shows you a much worse unit at the same price.

3. Deposit theft: You sign a contract and pay a deposit (typically 2 months' rent), but the person isn't actually the landlord. They may have subleased illegally or simply used someone else's apartment for a viewing.

4. Hidden fees: The listing price doesn't include management fees, utilities, or other charges that significantly increase the actual monthly cost.

How to protect yourself

• Never pay before viewing the apartment in person
• Verify the landlord's identity: Ask to see their ID and the property ownership certificate (房屋所有權狀) or tax bill (房屋稅單)
• Use reputable platforms: 591.com.tw is the most established rental platform in Taiwan. Facebook groups can be useful but have more scams.
• Check the contract: Use the government's standard rental contract template (內政部定型化租約) — landlords are legally required to use this format or one that provides equivalent protections
• Never wire money — pay deposits in person and get a receipt
• Bring a local friend to help with communication and verify the situation
• Market rate awareness: If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Check typical rates on 591.com.tw for the same area and size.

Typical legitimate security deposits: 1–2 months' rent. Anything more than 2 months is unusual and should be questioned. The deposit must be returned when you move out (minus legitimate deductions for damages).

How are social media scams conducted on LINE and Facebook?

LINE is Taiwan's dominant messaging app (used by 90%+ of the population), making it a primary channel for scams.

LINE scams

1. Account hijacking: A friend's LINE account gets hacked. You receive a message asking you to buy gift cards, send verification codes, or lend money. Always verify by phone call before sending money to anyone on LINE.

2. Fake official accounts: Scammers create LINE accounts that mimic banks, government agencies, or popular brands. They send messages with phishing links.

3. Group scams: You're randomly added to LINE groups promoting investment schemes, gambling, or adult content. Leave and block immediately.

4. QR code scams: Someone asks you to scan a QR code that actually logs them into your LINE account or authorizes a payment.

Facebook scams

1. Fake marketplace listings: Especially electronics, concert tickets, and popular items at suspiciously low prices
2. Cloned profiles: Scammers copy a friend's profile photo and name, then send you a friend request and ask for money
3. Sponsored ad scams: Fake ads for investment platforms, miracle products, or celebrities endorsing products they never actually endorsed
4. Event ticket scams: Fake tickets for concerts and sports events sold through Facebook groups

Protection tips for social media

• Enable two-factor authentication on all accounts (LINE, Facebook, Instagram)
• Set LINE to reject messages from non-friends (Settings > Privacy > Filter messages)
• Don't add strangers on LINE — scammers often pose as attractive individuals
• Be skeptical of messages asking for money, even from friends — call them to verify
• Report suspicious accounts to the platform immediately

What should I do if I've been scammed?

Act quickly. The sooner you report, the higher the chance of recovering your money.

Immediate steps

1. Call 165 (Anti-Scam Hotline) — available 24/7, some English support. They can help freeze the scammer's bank account if you've just transferred money. The first 30 minutes after a transfer are critical for interception.

2. Call 110 (Police) or visit your local police station to file a report (報案). Bring:

   • Transaction records (bank transfer receipts, screenshots)
   • All communication with the scammer (LINE chats, SMS, emails)
   • The scammer's contact information (phone number, bank account, profile)
   • Any documents or links they provided

3. Contact your bank immediately to:

   • Freeze your account if compromised
   • Request a chargeback if you paid by credit card
   • Change your online banking passwords

4. Report to the platform: If the scam occurred on Facebook, LINE, Shopee, etc., report the account/listing.

Filing a police report as a foreigner

• You can file a report at any police station. Bring your ARC or passport.
• If language is a barrier, you can:
  • Call the 1990 Foreign Resident Advisory Hotline (English, Japanese, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Thai available)
  • Request a translator at the police station (they are required to provide one)
  • Bring a Chinese-speaking friend
• You'll receive a report number (報案三聯單) — keep this for insurance claims or further proceedings

What happens after reporting

• The 165 hotline works with banks to freeze suspicious accounts
• Police investigate and may take several weeks to months
• Recovery rate varies — phone and investment scams have lower recovery rates than shopping scams
• You may be contacted by investigators for additional information

If you've given out personal information: Change all passwords immediately. Monitor your bank accounts. Consider placing a fraud alert with your bank. If your ARC number was compromised, contact the National Immigration Agency.

What anti-scam tools can I use?

Several tools and resources can help you stay safe in Taiwan.

Whoscall (who's calling)

• What it does: Identifies unknown callers and blocks spam/scam calls automatically
• How to get it: Free download on iOS and Android
• Taiwan-specific: Developed in Taiwan, has the largest database of Taiwan phone numbers
• Key feature: Automatically warns you when an incoming call matches a known scam number
• Highly recommended for all residents in Taiwan

165 Anti-Scam Website and Database

• Website: 165.npa.gov.tw
• Check if a phone number, website, or bank account has been reported as fraudulent
• Updated daily with the latest scam patterns
• Available in Chinese (use Google Translate if needed)

Trend Micro Anti-Fraud Expert (趨勢防詐達人)

• LINE chatbot — add as a friend on LINE
• Paste suspicious URLs, phone numbers, or messages and it will analyze them
• Free and easy to use
• Particularly useful for checking phishing links from SMS or LINE messages

MyGoPen (麥擱騙)

• Fact-checking website and LINE chatbot
• Forward suspicious messages to this chatbot and it will verify if they're scams or misinformation
• Website: www.mygopen.com

ScamAdviser

• International website for checking if an online shop is legitimate
• Enter the website URL and get a trust score
• Useful for verifying unfamiliar online stores

General digital safety tips

• Use a password manager (Bitwarden, 1Password) — don't reuse passwords
• Enable two-factor authentication everywhere
• Keep your phone's OS and apps updated
• Don't download apps from outside official app stores
• Use a VPN on public Wi-Fi
• Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized charges

Frequently Asked Questions

Are phone scams common in Taiwan?

Yes, phone scams are one of the most prevalent types of fraud in Taiwan. The 165 Anti-Scam Hotline receives tens of thousands of reports every year. Common tactics include callers pretending to be police officers, prosecutors, or bank representatives demanding you transfer money to a "safe account." Foreigners may be targeted with scams claiming issues with their ARC, visa, or tax status. The key rule: government agencies in Taiwan will never ask you to transfer money over the phone. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and call 165 to verify.

What should I do if I've been scammed?

Act immediately — speed is critical. First, call 165 (Anti-Scam Hotline, available 24/7) to report the scam and request the scammer's bank account be frozen. Second, go to your nearest police station to file a formal report (bring your ARC/passport, transaction records, and screenshots of all communication with the scammer). Third, contact your bank to freeze your account if compromised, dispute credit card charges, or change your online banking passwords. The first 30 minutes after a money transfer are the most critical window for interception.

Is the 165 hotline available in English?

The 165 hotline primarily operates in Mandarin Chinese, but some operators may speak basic English. For more reliable English-language assistance, you can call the 1990 Foreign Resident Advisory Hotline, which offers support in English, Japanese, Vietnamese, Indonesian, and Thai. They can help you communicate with police and navigate the reporting process. You can also bring a Chinese-speaking friend when visiting the police station, or request a translator — police stations are required to provide one.

How do I report a scam as a foreigner?

You can file a police report at any police station in Taiwan — it does not need to be near your residence. Bring your ARC or passport for identification, along with all evidence (transaction records, chat screenshots, scammer's contact details, website or app screenshots). The police will take your statement and provide a report number (report slip). If language is a barrier, call 1990 first for foreign-language assistance, or bring a local friend to help translate. You can also report scams online at the Criminal Investigation Bureau website (www.cib.gov.tw), though an in-person visit is recommended if you have already lost money.

Related Reading

• Emergency Numbers & Services in Taiwan for Foreigners (2026) — Who to call if scammed
• Legal Rights in Taiwan for Foreigners: What You Need to Know (2026) — Legal recourse for fraud
• How to Open a Bank Account in Taiwan as a Foreigner — Banking security tips
• Mobile Payment in Taiwan: LINE Pay, JKo Pay & Apple Pay Guide (2026) — Safe digital payments