Lai says Taiwan must eliminate fraud 'ecosystem'
賴清德稱台灣必須消除詐騙“生態系統”
| President describes government efforts to eradicate fraud at forum
TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said on Thursday that fraud has developed into an “ecosystem” that must be eradicated with government efforts. Speaking at the 2025 ET Today Anti Fraud Forum, Lai said the Cabinet’s anti-fraud program entered a new phase this year to focus on identifying, preventing, and punishing fraudsters, per CNA. Lai said 5,000-10,000 fraudulent advertisements are taken offline annually, and the budget for anti-fraud measures has increased by NT$7.3 billion (about US$225.45 million) this year. The Cabinet published “version 2.0” of anti-fraud guidelines in November. Since the guidelines were launched in 2022, the government has passed four laws targeting fraud and increased anti-fraud spending, inter-agency cooperation, and technology. Lai linked fraud to organized crime, and said the same groups involved in trading guns, drugs, and political corruption are likely committing fraud. He said the government must ensure that good prevails over evil. Lai invoked a saying from the Ksitigarbha bodhisattva, who committed to emptying hell before attaining buddhahood. He said the government and law enforcement agencies must adopt this attitude and work towards eradicating fraud. Over half of Taiwanese experience some form of fraud weekly, according to a report in September. Around half of those who experienced fraud reported they had been scammed on LINE, often through fake investment groups. Lai said people must be vigilant when offered financial deals. He added that cases where fraudsters impersonate government officials should be reported to the relevant agency and police. In March, the finance ministry warned about phishing emails impersonating it. Meanwhile, financial institutions said in March they had blocked NT$10.1 billion (US$306 million) in fraudulent transactions last year. Lai encouraged the National Police Agency to crack down on fraud groups. He said fraud prevention efforts are improving daily, leading to a more stable society. |
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| Jono Thomson, Taiwan News, Staff Writer | |
| 2025-04-17 |
