The 5 Most Common Online Shopping Scams
Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated methods, ranging from online shopping to investments, from job searches to social media theft. What is the most common type of scam and which affects the greatest number of victims? We'll analyze in detail the "Five Most Common Scams" to raise awareness and avoid falling victim!
First: Online Shopping Scams: The Most Easily Fallen Trap!
In recent years, online shopping has become a daily habit for consumers, but scammers have also seized this opportunity, setting numerous traps. In 2023, online shopping scams ranked first, with 8,950 cases and losses of NT$190 million, more than double the 2025 figure.
Most common scam methods:
Low-price luring: Scammers use social media platforms, online stores, or auction sites to lure buyers with significant discounts below market price and limited-time promotions.
Fake foreign purchasing agents: They claim to be able to purchase limited-edition foreign goods, but disappear after receiving payment.
Refusal of in-person transactions and specification of payment methods: Common in second-hand transactions, scammers insist on "payment before shipping" or request transfers to suspicious private accounts.
Impersonating a buyer to steal goods or money: Scammers pose as buyers and use fake remittance receipts to deceive sellers, resulting in the loss of both goods and money.
Prevention tips:
Choose trusted shopping platforms: Avoid transactions through unknown social media accounts or suspicious websites.
Don't easily believe "ultra-low" goods: Extremely low prices often hide risks.
Use secure payment methods: Be especially vigilant if a buyer/seller insists on not using a third-party platform!
Second: Online investment scams: The deadly temptation of "low risk, high return"!
With the development of financial technology, the investment market has become easily accessible, but scammers are also exploiting this situation, spreading false investment opportunities with "high returns and zero risk" through social media and instant messaging apps. In 2023, online investment scams increased 1.8-fold, reaching 5,105 cases, resulting in a staggering loss of NT$3.2 billion!
Common Scam Methods:
Impersonating Investment Experts/Celebrities: Scammers impersonate well-known financial advisors, promoting investment opportunities with "guaranteed profits" through social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram) or WhatsApp groups.
Fake Investment Platforms: Victims are tricked into downloading fake investment apps, which initially offer small profits before encouraging them to invest more.
Ponzi Schemes: These schemes attract more people through a "referral" system; once the funds reach a certain level, the scammers disappear.
Prevention Tips:
Remember: High-return, low-risk investments don't exist!
Don't easily trust investment ads on social media: verify the platform's legitimacy yourself.
Beware of fake investment apps: download them from official app stores and verify the developer's name.
Third Place: Online Job Scams: The Illusion of "High Salaries and Great Jobs"!
With the rise of remote work, online job scams have become more widespread. In 2023, police received 3,518 reports of job scams, with total losses to victims amounting to NT$700 million!
Common scam methods:
High salaries, immediate payment, no experience required: Scammers post fake job ads on social media and discussion forums, luring job seekers with the promise of "extremely high salaries" and "easy work from home."
Requesting commissions/deposits: Scammers request advance payments from candidates under the guise of "training fees" or "onboarding fees."
Online scams: Victims are asked to deposit money into a platform to complete "tasks," but once the investment reaches a certain level, the scammers run away with the money.
Prevention tips:
Check the recruitment company's history: Make sure it is listed on the government's list of registered companies.
Never pay commissions: Legitimate companies don't ask employees to pay upfront.
Avoid "pay first, earn later" work models: especially for jobs that involve
First: Online Shopping Scams: The Most Easily Fallen Trap!
In recent years, online shopping has become a daily habit for consumers, but scammers have also seized this opportunity, setting numerous traps. In 2023, online shopping scams ranked first, with 8,950 cases and losses of NT$190 million, more than double the 2025 figure.
Most common scam methods:
Low-price luring: Scammers use social media platforms, online stores, or auction sites to lure buyers with significant discounts below market price and limited-time promotions.
Fake foreign purchasing agents: They claim to be able to purchase limited-edition foreign goods, but disappear after receiving payment.
Refusal of in-person transactions and specification of payment methods: Common in second-hand transactions, scammers insist on "payment before shipping" or request transfers to suspicious private accounts.
Impersonating a buyer to steal goods or money: Scammers pose as buyers and use fake remittance receipts to deceive sellers, resulting in the loss of both goods and money.
Prevention tips:
Choose trusted shopping platforms: Avoid transactions through unknown social media accounts or suspicious websites.
Don't easily believe "ultra-low" goods: Extremely low prices often hide risks.
Use secure payment methods: Be especially vigilant if a buyer/seller insists on not using a third-party platform!
Second: Online investment scams: The deadly temptation of "low risk, high return"!
With the development of financial technology, the investment market has become easily accessible, but scammers are also exploiting this situation, spreading false investment opportunities with "high returns and zero risk" through social media and instant messaging apps. In 2023, online investment scams increased 1.8-fold, reaching 5,105 cases, resulting in a staggering loss of NT$3.2 billion!
Common Scam Methods:
Impersonating Investment Experts/Celebrities: Scammers impersonate well-known financial advisors, promoting investment opportunities with "guaranteed profits" through social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram) or WhatsApp groups.
Fake Investment Platforms: Victims are tricked into downloading fake investment apps, which initially offer small profits before encouraging them to invest more.
Ponzi Schemes: These schemes attract more people through a "referral" system; once the funds reach a certain level, the scammers disappear.
Prevention Tips:
Remember: High-return, low-risk investments don't exist!
Don't easily trust investment ads on social media: verify the platform's legitimacy yourself.
Beware of fake investment apps: download them from official app stores and verify the developer's name.
Third Place: Online Job Scams: The Illusion of "High Salaries and Great Jobs"!
With the rise of remote work, online job scams have become more widespread. In 2023, police received 3,518 reports of job scams, with total losses to victims amounting to NT$700 million!
Common scam methods:
High salaries, immediate payment, no experience required: Scammers post fake job ads on social media and discussion forums, luring job seekers with the promise of "extremely high salaries" and "easy work from home."
Requesting commissions/deposits: Scammers request advance payments from candidates under the guise of "training fees" or "onboarding fees."
Online scams: Victims are asked to deposit money into a platform to complete "tasks," but once the investment reaches a certain level, the scammers run away with the money.
Prevention tips:
Check the recruitment company's history: Make sure it is listed on the government's list of registered companies.
Never pay commissions: Legitimate companies don't ask employees to pay upfront.
Avoid "pay first, earn later" work models: especially for jobs that involve
