Recently, a citizen who wanted to apply for a credit loan left his phone number after browsing a bank advertisement on Facebook. The fraudsters then contacted him by LINE, claiming that he had to make a remittance before verifying the funds, and asked him to turn on the LINE video call and share his screen, requesting him to transfer money with online banking. Through this method, the fraudsters were able to capture his account and password. Subsequently, the fraudsters logged into his account to operate the transfer, which resulted in his loss of more than NT$300,000.
With the development of technology and networks, the number of Internet fraud cases around the world has been increasing, and the methods are constantly evolving. Emerging frauds involve criminals impersonating financial institutions, posting loan advertisements to attract people, and then asking them to use the LINE video call “screen sharing” function under the names of “loan approval” and “fund verification,” etc. As the victim logs into his/her online banking account, the fraudsters can monitor the process in real-time through the shared screen. Later, the fraudsters can log into the victim's account and transfer their deposits.
The Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) urges the public to apply for loans only through legitimate and established financial institutions. The CIB also warns against believing suspicious online advertisements. If you are asked to engage in a LINE video call and share your screen during a loan application process, it is a common pattern employed by fraud syndicates. Please be careful not to reveal any personal information.