Taichung Police and Bank Prevent NT$300,000 Romance Scam

A woman in Taichung City attempted to wire money twice to a foreign man she met online, but was stopped by bank staff and police. According to the Taichung City Police Department, a woman in her 50s in Nantun District met a man online who claimed to work abroad. After developing a relationship, the man claimed he was detained at Taoyuan Airport and demanded NT$300,000 for bail, supposedly requested by the 'Singapore Airport Police.' The woman went to the bank to wire the money, but staff noticed suspicious circumstances and alerted the police. After police analyzed the communication, they confirmed it was a typical 'fake romance' scam. Ten days later, the woman returned to the same bank, but staff recognized her and called the police again. The police successfully persuaded her to abandon the transfer. Authorities urge the public to call the 165 anti-fraud hotline if they encounter online requests for money.