New Fraud Method Emerges: 2 Victims Lose NT$290,000 on LINE Buying Garlic and Eggs

(Central News Agency reporter Tsai Chih-ming, Chiayi County 30th) Two citizens recently attempted to purchase garlic and eggs on LINE and were induced to enable "Party Mode" to share their phone screens. Their account information and QR codes were then recorded by criminals, leading to unauthorized transfers and charges totaling NT$290,000. Chiayi County police have arrested a suspect named Li. The Chiayi County Police Bureau held an anti-fraud press conference today, stating they had cracked a new type of fraud case. Fraud groups would lure citizens on social media platforms with offers like "free goodwill gifts" or opportunities to buy "concert tickets, fruits, eggs, lanterns." They would then ask for transactions via methods like "7-11 store delivery, cash on delivery" to lower their guard. Afterwards, they would falsely claim that the victims needed to complete "real-name authentication" to proceed with the transaction, inducing them to join a fake LINE customer service. There, they would be asked to enable LINE's "Party Mode" to share their phone screens. The police emphasized that, unknowingly, victims would then operate their online banking and cardless ATM withdrawals on their phones, resulting in their account information and QR codes being recorded in real-time by the criminals, who then proceeded with illegal transfers and charges. Upon receiving the report, the police launched an investigation and found that the suspect, identified as Li, had repeatedly committed fraudulent QR code transactions in areas like Beitun and Xitun districts of Taichung City. The case was reported to the Chiayi District Prosecutors Office for investigation. The police apprehended suspect Li with an arrest warrant and search warrant while he was preparing to commit another crime, seizing his smartphone and illicit gains on the spot. He was transferred for investigation on charges of aggravated fraud and violating the Money Laundering Control Act, with a recommendation for detention. The police stated that after his arrest, the 20-something suspect Li believed he was merely helping others buy game points at convenience stores to earn a difference, which he thought was not illegal. However, Li's actions constituted those of a fraud group's runner. Young people are urged to be careful when seeking jobs and not to go astray. (Editor: Li Shu-hua) 1150430. Choose to stand with facts, every sponsorship you provide is the power to protect press freedom. Download the CNA "First-hand News" APP to instantly grasp the latest news. The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or utilized without authorization.