TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Criminal Investigation Bureau on Sunday highlighted three scams that the public should be wary of following recent hospital data leaks.
Following a ransomware attack on Mackay Memorial Hospital, Changhua Christian Hospital was also targeted. The health ministry has confirmed these attacks, which resulted in significant personal data leaks, are “systematic” and warned that other hospitals are at risk, per CNA.
The CIB said these fraud schemes rely on obtaining personal information from breaches in systems that require users to register sensitive data, such as medical, financial, or shopping platforms. The bureau urged individuals to be vigilant in the wake of these breaches, especially regarding the three most common types of scams.
"Installment payment fraud” occurs when scammers impersonate shopping websites and contact victims using international numbers, often instructing them to follow ATM instructions. The CIB advises individuals not to trust these calls or follow instructions from unfamiliar numbers.
"Fake police” involves fraudsters impersonating law enforcement officers and using stolen personal data to deceive victims. The CIB recommends that individuals verify the identity of anyone claiming to be from the police by directly contacting the relevant authorities.
Fraudsters use stolen phone numbers to impersonate friends or family members in the “guess who” scam, claiming financial difficulties or emergencies to ask for money. The CIB advises people to hang up if money is requested and to verify the caller's identity through other means.
The CIB has also outlined 11 steps for safeguarding personal information online, such as using strong, unique passwords and changing them regularly. Enabling two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of protection.
People should also be wary of phishing websites and avoid clicking on unknown links or attachments. Any requests for personal information should be verified through official channels.
To safeguard privacy, individuals should limit the personal information they share on social media and adjust their privacy settings accordingly. People should also regularly check accounts and devices for unusual activity.
The public is urged to only download apps from official stores to avoid malicious software and to stay updated on the latest fraud prevention advice from authorities. If suspicious activity or potential data breaches occur, individuals should report them immediately to the authorities.
The anti-fraud hotline can be reached at 165.
