Officers from the Taipei City Police Department recently prevented an elderly man from losing NT$50,000 to a scam. The police responded to a resident’s report that a neighbor might be the victim of a scam and immediately rushed to the scene to investigate.

Upon investigation, officers learned that the elderly man had trusted a relative of a longtime friend who dealt in antiques. The person recommended ancient copper coins to him as an investment, and the man, convinced that the opportunity was legitimate, followed the person’s instructions and prepared to send a package containing NT$50,000 in cash through a 7-ELEVEN parcel delivery service to complete the transaction.

Recognizing that the transaction method was highly unusual, officers patiently explained common scam tactics involving purported investments in antiques and collectibles, including schemes in which victims are instructed to send cash through convenience-store parcel delivery services. They also advised him to conduct legitimate transactions only with businesses that have physical storefronts and good reputations, or through government-regulated auction houses and dealers, and never to send cash at the direction of strangers or people met online.

After the officers carefully explained the warning signs and persuaded him to reconsider the transaction, the elderly man realized that he might be the target of a scam. He immediately tore open the package, retrieved his NT$50,000, and expressed deep gratitude to the officers for their assistance and patient advice.

The Taipei City Police Department urges the public to remain vigilant. Scam syndicates have recently been using promises of high-yield investments, antique and collectible investments, and art transactions to trick victims into transferring money or sending cash through convenience-store parcel delivery services to evade detection. Be especially cautious of claims such as “guaranteed returns with no risk of loss” or “guaranteed profits,” and do not take such promises at face value. If in doubt, immediately call the 165 Anti-Fraud Hotline or 110 to verify the information and avoid falling victim to fraud.