Are the elderly easily scammed? Common fraud identification and prevention, 165 anti-fraud hotline, and warning account freeze at a glance

The elderly, who often stay home alone answering unfamiliar calls and have less exposure to anti-fraud information, are a high-risk group targeted by fraud rings. According to National Police Agency statistics, in 2022, there were over 4,000 fraud cases nationwide involving individuals aged 65 and above, averaging more than 11 cases per day. If suspicious activity is detected, immediately call the 165 anti-fraud hotline or 110 to report to the police. Banks also have a warning account mechanism to help freeze transferred funds.

Why are the elderly easy targets for scams? What do official data say?

According to data from the National Police Agency's Police Broadcasting Service and the Budget Center of the Legislative Yuan:

In 2022, there were 4,167 fraud cases nationwide involving individuals aged 65 and above, averaging about 11.4 cases per day. Among the types, fake investments accounted for over 25% (over 1,066 cases, with specific products like 'columbarium niches' being a common tactic targeting this age group), impersonation of relatives or acquaintances ('Guess Who I Am') accounted for over 22% (over 900 cases), and impersonation of government agencies (prosecutors/police) for account monitoring was also a major type.
According to the Legislative Yuan Budget Center's 2025 central government budget evaluation report, from 2021 to 2022, the number of victims aged 60-69 increased by 42.88%, and those aged 70 and above increased by 43.62%, both higher than the overall national fraud case growth rate of 52.98% for the corresponding age groups.
The above are the latest age-specific statistics with clear year annotations (2022 data) currently available from police authorities. This site has not found publicly available age-specific data from central agencies after 2023. For the latest statistics, please contact the 165 hotline or the National Police Agency.

What are the common fraud techniques targeting the elderly?

According to the Taipei City Police Department's anti-fraud section and National Police Agency statistics:

Impersonation of government agencies (prosecutors/police): Scammers impersonate police officers, prosecutors, or other officials, claiming the elderly person is involved in a criminal case or their account has been misused, and demand 'cooperation in account monitoring' or transfer of funds to prove innocence. The Taipei City Police Department explicitly states that this technique often targets 'elderly individuals during early morning hours.'
'Guess Who I Am' type: Scammers impersonate relatives or old acquaintances, claiming an urgent need for a loan, exploiting the elderly's uncertainty in voice recognition and nostalgia.
ATM installment payment fraud: Scammers impersonate customer service or bank staff, claiming the elderly person's account has been mistakenly set for installment deductions, and guide them to an ATM to 'cancel the setting,' which actually completes a transfer.
Fake investment fraud: Scammers meet victims through social media or dating apps, use phrases like 'inside track' or 'guaranteed profit,' initially allow small profits to gain trust, then block withdrawals with various excuses. According to police statistics, specific product investment tactics (e.g., columbarium niches) are common variants targeting the elderly.
General fraud types like fake online shopping and fake dating: Scammers lure victims into private transfers or purchasing gift cards through low-priced goods or emotional connections. Elderly individuals who rarely use online shopping platforms may find it harder to identify anomalies.

How to seek help when noticing something suspicious? 165, 110, and online reporting

According to National Police Agency data:

The 165 anti-fraud consultation hotline is set up by the National Police Agency. Calling from a landline is free; from a mobile phone, it is free for Chunghwa Telecom users, while users of other telecom operators are charged NT$1 per minute.
In addition to the phone hotline, 165 also provides five other channels for help: online reporting on its official website (fill in online first, then complete procedures at a nearby police station), LINE official account (@tw165), Facebook (165 Anti-Fraud Dashboard / 165 Anti-Fraud Education), the 'Police Service' app, and the Criminal Investigation Bureau website (cib.npa.gov.tw). Calling is not the only option.
110 is the general police reporting and emergency assistance hotline, suitable for situations with immediate personal safety risks or when police presence is needed. 165 is dedicated to fraud-related inquiries and reporting. The two services have different natures; if there is immediate danger, call 110 first.
If you receive a call claiming that your health insurance card will be suspended and asking for personal information, the Ministry of Health and Welfare reminds you not to provide any personal information and provides a verification hotline at 0800-030598 to confirm the authenticity of the call.

What to do if funds have already been transferred? Warning account freeze and refund mechanism

According to data from the Financial Supervisory Commission's Financial Smart Network:

If you realize you have been scammed, immediately call 165 or report to the police. The police will assist in notifying the receiving bank to mark the account as a warning account, suspending the account's deposit and designated transfer functions to prevent further withdrawals.
If the financial institution confirms that the warning account still contains the victim's transferred funds that have not been withdrawn or transferred, it should request the police to provide a summary report. The receiving bank will then identify and return the funds to the victim based on the report.
To apply for a refund, the victim must provide the police report (three-part form) and sign an affidavit. The refund is not automatic after reporting, and only applies to funds that have 'not yet been withdrawn or transferred' from the account. For funds already withdrawn or transferred, refund depends on subsequent judicial proceedings.
The Financial Smart Network page reminds the public not to hastily transfer money to unfamiliar accounts based on phone calls or text messages. Any call requesting 'advance payment for identity verification' or 'canceling installment payments' should be verified through 165 or the official customer service hotline of the original institution before taking action.

How do banks and systems protect elderly customers? How can family members cooperate in prevention?

According to data from the Financial Supervisory Commission:

In 2022, the FSC approved the 'Self-Regulatory Standards for Banks to Treat Elderly Customers Fairly,' which stipulates that banks must 'develop counter staff measures to respond to abnormal financial transactions by elderly customers.' Counter staff should proactively inquire about large or abnormal transactions by elderly customers.
The FSC has also established an interbank 'early warning mechanism for suspicious fraudulent overseas accounts' to provide alerts for cross-border remittances involving suspected fraudulent accounts. Elderly customers or their family members with concerns about bank counter services can file complaints via the FSC's 1998 hotline or the Financial Ombudsman Institution at 0800-789-885.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare's reminder about health insurance impersonation scams also applies to other phone scams: remind elderly family members not to provide personal information or follow instructions to operate ATMs or online banking when receiving unfamiliar calls. If in doubt, hang up first and verify independently.
The 'Retirement and Senior Financial Planning, Annuities, and Trusts' page on this site has introduced the mechanism of elderly care trusts (property entrusted to a trustee bank for designated use). According to the Legislative Yuan Budget Center report, financial institutions have recently promoted elderly care trusts through trust education as a preventive tool to help the elderly protect their assets and reduce the risk of fraud or misuse by relatives. This is not repeated here; please refer to that page for details.

FAQ

If I receive a call from someone claiming to be a relative or friend urgently needing a loan, how can I confirm if it's a scam?

According to National Police Agency statistics, the 'Guess Who I Am' impersonation of relatives or friends is a common scam targeting the elderly. It is recommended to hang up first, then use the original familiar phone number or other channels to directly contact the person to verify. Do not transfer money to the new account or contact information provided in the call. If in doubt, call the 165 anti-fraud hotline for consultation.

Is there a charge for calling the 165 anti-fraud hotline?

Calling 165 from a landline is free; from a mobile phone, it is free for Chunghwa Telecom users, while users of other telecom operators are charged NT$1 per minute. In addition to phone calls, 165 also provides online reporting via its official website, LINE official account (@tw165), and other channels.

If I have already transferred money to a scammer, is there still a chance to get it back?

It depends on the situation, and full recovery is not guaranteed. You should immediately call 165 or report to the police, who will assist in notifying the bank to mark the recipient's account as a warning account to freeze it. If the funds in the account have not been withdrawn or transferred by the scammer, you can apply for a refund from the bank with the police report and an affidavit. However, for funds that have already been withdrawn or transferred, recovery depends on subsequent judicial proceedings.

What is the difference between 165 and 110, and which should I call?

110 is the general police reporting and emergency assistance hotline, suitable for situations where there is an immediate threat to personal safety and police presence is needed. 165 is the dedicated hotline under the National Police Agency for fraud-related inquiries and reporting. If the situation is urgent with immediate danger, call 110 first; for general fraud concerns or reporting, call 165.

Are there special protection mechanisms for elderly customers in financial transactions at banks?

Yes. According to the 'Self-Regulatory Standards for Banks to Treat Elderly Customers Fairly' approved by the Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) in 2022, banks must establish counter staff measures to respond to abnormal financial transactions by elderly customers. Counter staff should proactively inquire about large or abnormal transactions. The FSC has also established an interbank early warning mechanism for suspicious fraudulent overseas accounts. Elderly customers or their family members with concerns about banking services can also call the FSC's 1998 hotline or the Financial Ombudsman Institution at 0800-789-885.

What should I do if an elderly person receives a call claiming that their health insurance card will be suspended and asking for personal information?

According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare, such calls are mostly scams. Do not provide any personal information or follow instructions. The Ministry provides a verification hotline at 0800-030598 to confirm the authenticity of the call. Also, remind elderly family members that government agencies generally do not ask for personal information or instruct them to operate ATMs or online banking for 'verification' over the phone.

Updated: 2026-07-17 · This page is a neutral compilation of information for reference only, not medical, legal, tax, or admission advice. For actual regulations and services, please refer to official announcements from competent authorities and the institutions themselves.