Man Arrested in Cash Payout Scam in Taoyuan
A man in Taoyuan has been taken into custody for allegedly defrauding a woman of more than NT$3 million (about US$97,000). Prosecutors stated that he impersonated both postal and police officials in a scheme connected to Taiwan’s recently launched NT$10,000 universal cash payout program.
Suspect Detained on Fraud Charges
The Shilin District Prosecutors’ Office reported that it has requested the continued detention of the suspect, identified only by his surname, Chang (張). Prosecutors noted that Chang faces multiple charges, including fraud and money laundering, emphasizing that he presents a significant risk of colluding with accomplices or repeating the crime.
Details of the Scam Operation
Investigators revealed that Chang contacted the victim last month while pretending to be a postal worker. He claimed that her identity had been used in an application for the government cash program. Later, posing as a police officer, he falsely warned her that her bank account was under investigation for money laundering and instructed her to transfer her money to another account.
Authorities said the 25-year-old acted as a “money mule,” alternating between the fake roles of postal employee and police officer to manipulate and frighten the victim.
Program Context
The incident comes as online registration for Taiwan’s NT$10,000 cash handouts has begun, a government initiative aimed at stimulating the economy through direct payments to citizens.
Author’s summary: A 25-year-old man in Taoyuan was arrested for posing as postal and police officers to scam over NT$3 million amid Taiwan’s new cash payout rollout.