Taipei-The Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) on Saturday warned people to remain vigilant over an online fraud scheme concerning residency for Hong Kongers in Taiwan.
Investigators recently found that certain fraud groups have been using the anti-government protests in Hong Kong as a way to scam the people there, the bureau said.
Using the popular messaging app LINE, fraudsters have sent messages in the hope of tricking those wishing to move to Taiwan into believing they can help them obtain residency in the country for an advance payment of HK$5,000 (US$637).
The bureau warned anyone with Hong Kong friends and or relatives not to believe such scams.
Hong Kong residents can apply for temporary or permanent residency if they meet one of 16 conditions, including being a blood relative or married to a resident or citizen; possessing professional skills with the relevant certificates; or have invested more than NT$6 million (US$192,291) in Taiwan, the CIB said.
It also advised anyone who has received or knows of someone who has received such messages to phone 165, the government’s anti-scam hotline, for further assistance.
Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel