Taichung Woman Attempts to Wire Money to Online 'Husband'; Police and Post Office Staff Jointly Thwart Scam

(Central News Agency, Hao Xueqing, Taichung, 8th) A woman in Taichung City recently went to a post office to withdraw NT$70,000 but could not clearly explain the purpose, raising suspicions of fraud. Police stated today that upon arrival, they found the woman was preparing to remit the money to a 'husband' she had only seen in photos online. After officers explained the situation, the fraud was prevented.

The Second Precinct of the Taichung City Police Department explained that at noon on the 5th, they received a report from the post office stating that a woman was attempting to withdraw NT$70,000. When questioned by the teller about the purpose, she could not provide a clear explanation, suggesting she might be a victim of fraud. The police were called to assist.

Police stated that when officers arrived and asked the woman about the purpose of the withdrawal, she appeared hesitant and evasive, unable to clearly state the use of the funds. Upon further investigation and reviewing the messages on her phone, officers discovered the two were communicating intimately, using terms like 'husband' and 'wife'.

Police pointed out that the woman then admitted she had met a man nicknamed 'David' online and had only seen his photo. The NT$70,000 she withdrew that day was intended to be sent to him.

Further verification by the officers and the teller revealed that the woman's account had previously been flagged as a warning account. This withdrawal, coupled with her inability to provide a reasonable explanation, matched the common 'fake friendship, real fraud' scam pattern. After the officers patiently analyzed the typical tactics of fraud groups and related cases, the woman finally realized she was being scammed, abandoned the idea of transferring the money, and successfully saved her hard-earned savings. (Editor: Li Shuhua) 1150608