Can you make money by watching short videos? This is a new method used by fraud groups!

In recent years, a large number of short video ads for "easy money" have emerged on social media platforms, and many people have been deceived and suffered heavy losses. Preliminary statistics show that nearly 10,000 people in Taiwan have been defrauded, and the amount of loss is conservatively estimated to be more than NT$60 million (about RM8.18 million). In order to remind the public, many victims have formed self-help groups to call on everyone to be vigilant against this seemingly easy money-making opportunity.

According to Andy, the founder of the Anti-Fraud Alliance, the number of victims has now exceeded 5,000, and the amount of loss is roughly around NT$60 million. "These fraudulent methods continue to evolve, and the number of victims is still increasing." He mentioned that the fraud scam usually posts tempting ads on social platforms that "you can make money by watching short videos". Participants only need to watch the video and upload screenshots to get rewards, and can even transfer the rewards to their own digital wallets.

But this is just the beginning of the scam. In order to continue to withdraw cash, victims were required to pay a deposit of US$400 to upgrade their accounts. At first, some victims did successfully withdraw their rewards, which increased their trust in the platform and even invited others to join. However, as they continued to invest more money, they found themselves deeply trapped in the scam.

As the fraud methods continue to be updated, Li Qimei, a police officer of the Prevention Division of the Criminal Investigation Bureau of Taiwan, said that the fraud group would use social platforms to publish false lottery or level-breaking information to lure people to participate. Once the victims were misled, they were further induced to remit money to the fraud group.

The reporter revealed that in 2024 alone, the amount of money lost by the public due to fraud has reached NT$16 billion (about RM2.18 billion). There are many types of fraud methods, including fake online auctions and fake investments. With the advancement of technology, the fraud methods have become more and more hidden, and not only the elderly, but also young people have frequently become victims.

In addition, lawyer Zhan Jiexiang pointed out that in recent years, a new type of fraud called "salary washing" has also emerged. Some job seekers need to provide salary certificates to apply for loans, but they are induced by fraud companies to provide bank passbooks, accounts and passwords. As a result, their account information is used to defraud other victims of funds.

For the people who have been deceived, lawyers recommend taking measures as soon as possible to keep the communication records with the fraudsters and avoid deleting important evidence due to anger. The police also emphasized that if there is any doubt, the remittance should be stopped immediately and the case should be reported to the police as soon as possible.

The fraud group uses human greed and the temptation of easy money to carry out precise fraud. The victims not only lose money, but also provide more opportunities for the fraud group. The public should be vigilant to prevent themselves from becoming the next victim.