Taiwan Scams: Anti-Fraud, Online & Investment Fraud Guide
Common scams in Taiwan and how to report them via the 165 Anti-Fraud Hotline, NPA, and your bank.
Emergency number: 110 (police), 119 (fire/ambulance) — verify on official sources.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Taiwan operates one of Asia's most active anti-fraud infrastructure: the 165 Anti-Fraud Hotline, staffed 24 hours a day by the Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB), allows victims to report fraud and request interception of transfers in progress. Taiwan faces telephone and voice fraud (phone scammers impersonating police, prosecutors, or banks), investment scams, romance fraud, job scams, and online shopping fraud. Pig-butchering and task scams — often run by overseas criminal operations — are prevalent. The National Police Agency (NPA) coordinates nationwide anti-fraud efforts and publishes regular warnings. Reporting to 165 immediately is the single most important step after discovering fraud.
Common scams
- Voice fraud — callers impersonating prosecutors, police, or banks
- Investment and crypto fraud (including pig-butchering)
- Task scams paying small amounts then requiring deposits
- Romance scams via dating apps and social media
Tourist-specific scams
- Overcharging unlicensed taxis
- Counterfeit goods at tourist night markets
Online shopping scams
- Phishing impersonating Taiwanese banks or postal service
- Online shopping non-delivery via fake sites
- Social media marketplace scams
Job scams
- Task scams requiring deposits to 'unlock' earnings
- Fake overseas job offers — some linked to regional scam operations
Romance scams
- Dating-app romance and pig-butchering crypto investment grooming
Investment scams
- Fake trading platforms and unlicensed investment operators
- Crypto 'AI bot' and pig-butchering schemes
How to report a scam here
- Call the 165 Anti-Fraud Hotline immediately — available 24/7 for reporting and interception requests
- Contact your bank immediately to freeze the account
- Report online via the 165 portal at 165.npa.gov.tw
- File a police report at the nearest police station or call 110
Local reporting & protection links
- Cybercrime reporting
- Police
- 165 Anti-Fraud Hotline — Dial 165 (24/7) — report fraud and request transfer interception
Always verify reporting routes and emergency contacts on the official government or agency website for your country.
Bank & payment guidance
Call 165 and your bank simultaneously if fraud is discovered immediately after a transfer — the Criminal Investigation Bureau can attempt to freeze the receiving account. No legitimate prosecutor or police officer conducts investigations by phone demanding money transfers.
Evidence to preserve
- Screenshot all messages, profiles, websites and payment pages
- Save transaction references, account numbers and crypto wallet addresses
- Keep emails with full headers where possible
- Note dates, times, names and phone numbers used
Frequently asked questions
What is the 165 Anti-Fraud Hotline?
165 is Taiwan's national anti-fraud hotline, operated 24/7 by the Criminal Investigation Bureau of the National Police Agency. You can call to report fraud, verify suspicious contacts, and request that a recent fraudulent transfer be frozen if the funds have not yet been withdrawn.
Are prosecutor impersonation scams common in Taiwan?
Yes. Fraudsters call claiming to be prosecutors or police, alleging the victim is implicated in a money-laundering case and must transfer funds to a 'safe account' for investigation. Real prosecutors never contact citizens by phone to demand money transfers.
How do I report a scam online in Taiwan?
Use the 165 Anti-Fraud online reporting portal at 165.npa.gov.tw/#/report/statement, available at any time. You can also call 165 or report in person at the nearest police station.
Sources
- National police and cybercrime portals (verify on official sites)
- FTC / Action Fraud / Scamwatch consumer guidance