Reported 8 months ago
Uncertain about the authenticity of payment reminder texts? Recently, a person named Zhan received a fraudulent text pretending to be from Taiwan Water Corporation, stating an overdue water bill of NT$395 and threatening to cut off the water supply if not paid immediately. The text included a suspicious shortened URL link, leading to a phishing webpage where the individual unknowingly disclosed their credit card information and lost NT$60,000. Similarly, a scam group impersonated Taiwan Power Company to send fake electricity bill reminder texts, using a similar phishing tactic. In response, the Taiwan Water Corporation and Taiwan Power Company have implemented the '111 code message' policy, ensuring that official messages are sent from the government's exclusive SMS platform using the code '111.' They advise the public to verify that any received texts with the code '111' are genuine. Legitimate payment reminder texts from these companies do not contain shortened URL links. If you receive any suspicious texts (from unknown numbers or international codes like +63), remain vigilant and do not fall for scams. The Criminal Investigation Bureau reminds the public that if they receive any notices claiming unpaid water or electricity bills, they should verify with the service centers or call the customer service hotlines listed on their bills (1910 for Taiwan Water Corporation and 1911 for Taiwan Power Company). If there are suspicions of fraud, individuals can also contact the anti-fraud hotline '165' or visit the 'Ministry of the Interior National Police Agency's 165 Anti-Scam Website (https://165.npa.gov.tw/)' for guidance on blocking scam texts. If unfortunately scammed, immediately call the '165' hotline and report the incident to the police for assistance.
Source: YAHOO