Security Alert: Scam Activity Continues to Spread in Taiwan

Fake investment scam and so-called "Pig butchering" scams have become one of the major threats to online security in Taiwan. These scam acts have not only caused huge economic losses to the victims but also posed a challenge to the harmony and stability of society.

Fake investment scam often uses high returns as bait, spreading fake investment information through various channels to lure victims into non-existent projects. Such scams are often beautifully packaged, making them hard to identify by creating professional investment websites, fabricating investment cases, forging income proofs, etc. In addition, scammers use social media and instant messaging platforms to introduce friends, increasing their credibility to deceive the victims.

The "Pig butchering" scam is a new form of internet scam that has emerged in recent years. The term comes from the fraudsters who compare their target victims to pigs ready for slaughter and feed them over a long period – building emotional connections and trust – ultimately committing fraud. These scams often occur on social platforms and online dating apps. The scammer disguises their identity, establishes a relationship with the victim, and once the relationship is stable, they induce the victim to provide financial support or invest in fake projects for various reasons.

Faced with these increasingly rampant fraudulent activities, we need to become more vigilant and enhance their awareness of cyber security. First, any investment information on any online platform should be carefully scrutinized, and high return promises especially from unknown sources should not be taken lightly. Next, a healthy concept of making friends online should be established, being cautious about strangers who suddenly add friends, and not easily revealing personal information and financial status. In addition, once it is discovered that you may become a victim of scam, you should immediately stop all financial transactions, report to the police.