Builder Loses Over NT$65 Million in Fake Investment Scam Involving UBS Gold Bars; Industry Association Publishes Serial Numbers
A builder surnamed Chiu in Hsinchu fell victim to a fake investment scam, losing over NT$65 million, which included a large quantity of UBS investment-grade gold bars. The National Association of Gold and Silver Dealers has published the serial numbers of the gold bars, urging dealers to halt transactions and report to the police to trace the flow of the stolen gold. The police have classified this as a major fraud case.
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- 📰 Published: June 3, 2026 at 17:25
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(Central News Agency, Hsinchu County, 3rd) A builder surnamed Chiu in Hsinchu fell victim to a fake investment scam, suffering losses exceeding NT$65 million. The losses included a large quantity of UBS investment-grade gold bars. The National Association of Gold and Silver Dealers today published the serial numbers of the gold bars, urging dealers to stop transactions and report to the police if they are found.
A friend of the builder, Mr. Chiu, told the media that Mr. Chiu encountered stock investment information online and was deceived by profit opportunities fabricated by a scam group. Following instructions, he made multiple cash withdrawals and handed over large quantities of UBS gold bars in person to evade financial institution monitoring and police investigation. The in-person handovers occurred more than ten times, resulting in cumulative losses exceeding NT$65 million.
After receiving a request for help from a Hsinchu City gold and silver dealer, the National Association of Gold and Silver Dealers issued a notice today. The notice includes a list of serial numbers of suspected fraudulent gold bullion. It urges dealers to check their inventory, consignment items, and customer appraisal items. If the same serial numbers are found, they must immediately stop transactions and report to the police. The notice also lists the relevant gold bar numbers and serial numbers.
A gold and silver dealer told CNA that UBS gold bars are investment-grade gold bars issued by UBS, with unique serial numbers and certificates of authenticity. They are highly liquid in the international precious metals market, so the police believe there is an opportunity to trace the flow of the gold through the serial numbers.
Yang Cheng-jun, Deputy Captain of the Hsinchu County Police Bureau's Xinpu Precinct Investigation Team, stated that this case is a major fraud case and has been listed as a priority for investigation. The case has been reported to the Taiwan Hsinchu District Prosecutors Office for direction. He called on the public to proactively provide information to the police if they have relevant clues to help clarify the case.
He said this is a common "fake investment scam." Scam groups use communication software, investment groups, or fake investment platforms, luring victims with promises of guaranteed profits and high returns. After victims increase their investment, the scammers use various excuses to demand further remittances or in-person handovers of valuables. (Editor: Lin Shuhui)
A friend of the builder, Mr. Chiu, told the media that Mr. Chiu encountered stock investment information online and was deceived by profit opportunities fabricated by a scam group. Following instructions, he made multiple cash withdrawals and handed over large quantities of UBS gold bars in person to evade financial institution monitoring and police investigation. The in-person handovers occurred more than ten times, resulting in cumulative losses exceeding NT$65 million.
After receiving a request for help from a Hsinchu City gold and silver dealer, the National Association of Gold and Silver Dealers issued a notice today. The notice includes a list of serial numbers of suspected fraudulent gold bullion. It urges dealers to check their inventory, consignment items, and customer appraisal items. If the same serial numbers are found, they must immediately stop transactions and report to the police. The notice also lists the relevant gold bar numbers and serial numbers.
A gold and silver dealer told CNA that UBS gold bars are investment-grade gold bars issued by UBS, with unique serial numbers and certificates of authenticity. They are highly liquid in the international precious metals market, so the police believe there is an opportunity to trace the flow of the gold through the serial numbers.
Yang Cheng-jun, Deputy Captain of the Hsinchu County Police Bureau's Xinpu Precinct Investigation Team, stated that this case is a major fraud case and has been listed as a priority for investigation. The case has been reported to the Taiwan Hsinchu District Prosecutors Office for direction. He called on the public to proactively provide information to the police if they have relevant clues to help clarify the case.
He said this is a common "fake investment scam." Scam groups use communication software, investment groups, or fake investment platforms, luring victims with promises of guaranteed profits and high returns. After victims increase their investment, the scammers use various excuses to demand further remittances or in-person handovers of valuables. (Editor: Lin Shuhui)