October 7, 2025 – Taichung City, Taiwan
A 60-year-old businesswoman from Taichung City narrowly avoided becoming the victim of an online romance scam after police officers intervened just in time as she attempted to mail NT$100,000 in cash to a stranger she had met on the internet.
According to the Taichung City Police Department’s Sixth Precinct, the woman, surnamed Lai, from Xitun District, met a man online last month who described himself as a “wealthy and warm-hearted businessman.” Over several days of chatting, he used affectionate language and made romantic promises, convincing her to send a “meeting deposit” of NT$100,000 before they met in person.
Fortunately, Officers Zhuang Zhiwei and Song Zhiqiang were patrolling a convenience store on Section 3 of Taiwan Boulevard late last month when they noticed Ms. Lai holding a parcel and appearing anxious. When they inquired about the contents, she revealed that the package contained NT$100,000 in cash and was addressed to a recipient in Chiayi—someone she had never met before.
Suspecting fraud, the officers asked to see Lai’s phone messages. The chat history was filled with romantic phrases such as “I can’t wait to see you” and “our future together,” confirming it was a classic romance scam.
The police patiently explained to Ms. Lai how scam syndicates often use love and emotional manipulation to gain victims’ trust before requesting money under false pretenses. After hearing their advice and learning about similar cases, Lai realized she was being deceived and immediately canceled the shipment, saving her hard-earned savings.
Authorities have since reminded the public to exercise caution when forming relationships online. They warn that anyone who requests money transfers, “deposits,” or gifts before meeting in person is almost certainly a scammer.
The police urged citizens to call the 165 Anti-Fraud Hotline or report to the nearest police station if they encounter similar suspicious situations. “Don’t let love become the perfect disguise for fraud,” they said.