Online Shopping Scam: Fake Delivery and Customer Service Lures Lead to E-Payment Fraud

A Taiwanese woman fell victim to a sophisticated scam involving fake delivery notifications and fraudulent customer service. After providing personal information and SMS verification codes, scammers registered her account with multiple e-payment platforms to launder illicit funds.

How the Scam Works

In a case involving a woman from Taichung, fraudsters employed the following coordinated deception:

Fake Delivery Link: The seller impersonator sends a URL supposedly from a courier (Black Cat Express)
Data Entry: The victim clicks the link and enters shipping information
Fake Customer Service Redirect: Posing as the logistics company, scammers claim the account is frozen and direct the victim to add a fake LINE customer service account
Personal Information Extraction: Under the pretext of account verification or unfreezing, scammers request ID number, date of birth, and bank account details
SMS Verification Code Theft: The victim is convinced to share all SMS verification codes received on their phone
Unauthorized E-Payment Registration: Using stolen credentials and codes, scammers register multiple e-payment platforms (Street Pay, icash Pay, 全盈+PAY) to the victim's account
Money Laundering: These e-payment accounts are used to move and launder illegally obtained funds

Warning Signs

Suspicious URLs: Always verify links through official websites rather than clicking messages
Artificial Urgency: Claims of account freezes or processing errors are classic fraud tactics
Social Media Redirect: Legitimate customer service does not ask customers to add personal LINE accounts
Requests for Sensitive Information: Banks and payment platforms never ask customers to provide ID numbers or SMS codes
Unexpected Payment App Registrations: Check your registered payment apps regularly for unfamiliar accounts

Prevention Tips

SMS verification codes (OTP) are equivalent to your personal signature—never share them with anyone
Use only official websites when shopping online; avoid clicking links in messages
For bank messages, verify through official apps or phone rather than clicking links or providing codes
Regularly audit your bank account and linked e-payment platforms for unauthorized access
If suspicious activity is detected, immediately contact your bank and payment providers to disable SMS authentication

Where to Report

Taiwan: 165 Anti-Fraud Hotline, 110 Police Emergency Line

Fraud rings are shifting from purchasing physical bank accounts to exploiting e-payment platforms due to their ease of registration and rapid fund transfers. By the time victims realize the breach, multiple platforms may already be compromised, making it difficult to prevent fund loss.