Scam in TaiwanTheft
Pickpocketing in crowds in Taiwan
How it works
Someone steals a wallet or other belongings while people are packed together. This is a known problem in crowded areas across Taiwan, including Taipei.
Warning signs
- A crowd presses closely around you.
- Your wallet or phone is easy to reach in an open bag or back pocket.
How to avoid it
- Keep your bag closed and in front of you.
- Put your phone and wallet in secure pockets.
- Carry only the cash you need for the outing.
If it happens to you
Move somewhere safe. Freeze missing cards, record where the theft happened, and report it to police.
- Move to a safe place. Do not chase a thief or argue with anyone who threatens you.
- Stop further payments. Contact your bank or card issuer immediately to freeze missing cards or try to stop a transfer.
- Save receipts, messages, booking details and transaction records. Write down the time, place and any vehicle identification.
- Report the incident to police. Call 110 if you need urgent help, or 165 for a scam enquiry.
- Ask for a report reference. For a major crime, also contact the Foreign Affairs Police unit and your government's representative office in Taipei.
- Contact your insurer and any relevant booking provider. Keep copies of reports and expenses for your claim.
Questions
What is the pickpocketing in crowds scam in Taiwan?
Someone steals a wallet or other belongings while people are packed together. This is a known problem in crowded areas across Taiwan, including Taipei.
How can I spot it early?
A crowd presses closely around you. Your wallet or phone is easy to reach in an open bag or back pocket.
How do I avoid pickpocketing in crowds in Taiwan?
Keep your bag closed and in front of you. Put your phone and wallet in secure pockets. Carry only the cash you need for the outing.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Move somewhere safe. Freeze missing cards, record where the theft happened, and report it to police.
Where in Taiwan does this happen?
Crowded night markets and festivals. It has been reported in Taipei.
How common is this scam in Taiwan?
Common. Taiwan is very safe for tourists, and most taxi drivers are honest. The main concerns are pickpockets in crowds, occasional taxi overcharging, and phone fraud aimed at Chinese speakers. Small shops and some hostels may also add payment or receipt fees, so check the full price first.
Who can I report it to?
Police: call 110 for urgent police help or visit a local police station. Stations display the word Police in English and have a red light above the door. Police emergency service is available in English. Scam enquiry service: call 165 to check a suspected scam, including an unfamiliar caller asking for money. Foreign Affairs Police unit: for a major crime, contact this unit as well as the local precinct. Most jurisdictions have a unit staffed by English-speaking officers. Taipei City Police Department Foreign Affairs Division: visit No. 96, Yanping S. Rd, or call +886-2-2381-8251 or +886-2-2381-7494. Taipei City Police Department Foreign Affairs Service Station: visit No. 80, Dadong Rd, or call +886-2-2556-6007. Your government's representative office in Taipei: report a major crime and ask for help if your passport or travel documents were stolen. Your bank or card issuer: use its official app or a trusted contact number. Report stolen cards, unauthorised charges or a fraudulent transfer immediately. Your insurer or booking provider: use its official claims or support channel. Supply receipts, payment records and the police report reference. Foreigner assistance hotline: call 1990 within Taiwan for assistance. Mandarin, English and Japanese service is available 24 hours a day.
What number do I call in an emergency in Taiwan?
Police, with English service: 110, Fire and ambulance, with English service: 119, Scam enquiry: 165, Foreigner assistance, domestic calls: 1990.
Reviewed by @snuck