Taiwan's Ministry of Finance, through its Customs Administration, warned the public about recurring scams in which victims are told that goods allegedly sent by overseas acquaintances are being held by Taiwan Customs and can only be released after paying large import duties or fines. The ministry said these claims are fraudulent and urged people not to transfer money to unknown private accounts, especially when the request is framed as helping a sender avoid confiscation of the goods. The cases often involve people first contacted through social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram or Telegram, who claim they will visit Taiwan or send gifts. Victims are then told that luggage or gifts containing high-value items such as gold, jewelry or antiques have been detained because of unpaid duties, or that money, euros, U.S. dollars or other negotiable securities have triggered anti-money laundering violations and fines. The ministry said genuine customs detentions are accompanied by an official detention receipt, fines are delivered through formal penalty notices, and all duties and fines must be paid through financial institutions into designated national treasury accounts rather than private accounts.

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