TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — New Taipei reported Thursday that banks and convenience stores have stopped 632 scams so far this year, preventing more than NT$430.77 million (US$14.39 million) in losses as fraud cases continue to surge.

The figures, presented at New Taipei’s monthly public safety meeting, represent a rise of 67 blocked cases, per CNA. New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) praised frontline staff for protecting public assets and emphasized the need to both suppress scams and improve public awareness.

“We must strengthen source control and frontline vigilance to stop these crimes before they succeed,” he said.

New Taipei Police Commissioner Liao Hsun-cheng (廖訓誠) said scam prevention remains a priority due to the severe harm these crimes inflict, per UDN. “Our security is improving steadily, but fraud is evolving. We must stay one step ahead,” he said.

To boost readiness, Xinzhuang Precinct Chief Chen Pao-hsu (陳保緒) said the civil defense team held an all-day emergency training on Wednesday. The session focused on first aid and public response coordination.

Chen cautioned that manpower alone is not enough, and praised the civil defense volunteers who support major events and help enforce anti-fraud efforts. “Public support is our greatest strength,” he said.

Police have dismantled 203 fraud rings this year, arresting 1,863 suspects and seizing nearly NT$600 million in criminal proceeds. Authorities are targeting both operational hubs and ringleaders while stepping up education on new scam tactics.