English 
正體中文 
In recent years, scams have appeared in countless forms, and financial traps have been everywhere. Scams had become a topic that everyone needed to learn to guard against. The College of General Studies at Yuan Ze University recently invited Chih-Han Jan, a senior officer from Mega Bank, to give a lecture titled “Seeing Through Scams: Cases of Financial and Investment Fraud.”
Drawing on her seven years of practical experience in the financial industry, Jan analyzed the current situation, types, and prevention methods of scams in Taiwan in 2024, reminding students to remain vigilant and rational in the digital era to protect their financial security.
Jan first revealed the severity of the scam problem with statistics. According to data, in 2024, Taiwan suffered financial losses exceeding NT$5.6 billion due to scams. If distributed evenly among all citizens, each person could have received an extra NT$2,000. She pointed out that over 70% of the population had encountered scams, with 13% suffering actual financial losses, showing that scams had penetrated all layers of society and had become a challenge for everyone. Jan further explained that scams caused not only financial losses but also significant social costs. Banks had to verify every transaction more rigorously to prevent fraud, slowing operational processes and reducing customer experience. Additionally, the psychological stress and social tragedies resulting from scams were considerable, as many people fell into desperation due to investment losses, highlighting that scams had evolved into a social safety issue beyond just economic impact.
For the youth, Jan specifically cautioned that, with the recent civil law amendment allowing independent bank accounts at 18, university freshmen had become prime targets for scam groups. She explained that common scams targeting students included online shopping fraud, fake investments, romance scams, impersonation of relatives, and account scams. Among these, “account scams” were the most risky. Scam groups often enticed students with “high-paying part-time jobs” or “account rentals” to obtain their bank cards, stamps, and passbooks, using them as front accounts. Once accounts were involved in scams, funds were difficult to recover, and students could be placed on warning lists, affecting future account openings, employment, and even further education.
Regarding anti-fraud principles, Jan summarized the most important rule: “Do not be greedy.” She emphasized that there was no such thing as effortless investment. “As long as you are not greedy, you will not fall victim to investment scams,” she said. Investment opportunities claiming “high returns, zero risk” or “guaranteed profits” were almost always scams. Legitimate financial management should be conducted through banks or licensed brokers, as exaggerated profits often imply hidden risks.
Jan also reminded students to cultivate habits of verification and vigilance, in addition to resisting temptation. For unfamiliar calls, messages, or social media contacts, students should verify the sources. Apps such as Whoscall could help identify suspicious numbers and reduce the risk of scams. She advised against clicking suspicious links or attachments in emails, especially those not ending with “.gov.tw,” and stressed the importance of safeguarding bank cards and stamps without entrusting them to others. In any suspicious situation, students were advised to remember the anti-fraud motto: “Do not listen, do not believe, do not transfer,” and to contact the 165 Anti-Fraud Hotline for assistance.
At the conclusion of the lecture, Jan left students with a simple but profound reminder: “How much you earn is not the point; how much you can save is the real lesson.” She encouraged young students that, in an era of information overload and rampant scams, only by staying rational and thinking carefully could they avoid being blinded by greed and steer clear of fraud traps.
The lecture not only gave Yuan Ze University students an in-depth understanding of the diverse forms and social impact of scams but also strengthened financial fraud awareness among the youth. In a world full of temptations and risks, learning to “see through scams and protect yourself” became an essential lesson for every young person on the path to maturity.
