AI-Generated Police Video Used to Defraud Woman of NT$89.1 Million
Scammers in Taipei used AI-generated video to create a fake police station scene during a false police impersonation fraud in February 2025, convincing a near-60-year-old VIP bank customer to surrender eight debit cards and account details, resulting in the loss of NT$89.1 million.
What happened
In February 2025, a woman in her late 50s received a call from scammers impersonating prosecutors and police, claiming her bank account had been used to apply for a labor subsidy loan and must be placed under official supervision.
During the video call, the scammers displayed an AI-generated background that appeared to be a police station, with audio of what sounded like busy officers talking in the background.
The woman surrendered eight debit cards and account information, leading to the complete depletion of her accounts, resulting in a loss of NT$89.1 million.
Reported impact
The victim lost NT$89.1 million across her accounts at three banks, losing her savings in full.
The victim discovered the fraud four months later in June 2025 and reported it to police.
Index analysis
Police stated that the scam revived an older 'fake prosecutor and police' scheme that had fallen out of use as the public developed increased skepticism toward fake investment fraud, now enhanced with AI technology to increase its effectiveness.
Police noted that judicial authorities and financial institutions never make phone or video calls requesting account supervision, debit card provision, or fund transfers.
Governance controls
Police advised the public to remain calm when receiving such calls, immediately verify by dialing 165 or 110 to check the caller's identity.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.