Taiwan has a national police system with police departments in each city and county, local precincts, and neighborhood police stations. Police receive reports, respond to immediate danger, investigate suspected offences, and refer cases through the justice system. Prosecutors and courts, rather than the police alone, decide how a criminal case proceeds and whether someone is guilty. Common personal-safety problems include lost or stolen property, pickpocketing, burglary, shoplifting, property damage, harassment, assault, and unsafe behavior around roads or nightlife areas. Risk can differ between a busy city, a quiet neighborhood, a transport hub, and a remote area. Ordinary precautions reduce many opportunities for harm. Fraud, called 詐騙 or zhàpiàn, is a major practical concern. Scammers may pretend to be a bank, government office, delivery company, employer, romantic partner, police officer, or investment expert. They often create urgency and ask for passwords, one-time codes, money transfers, remote access, or secrecy. Taiwan also uses the 165 Anti-Fraud Hotline and public anti-scam education to help people check suspicious situations. A real-looking caller ID, familiar logo, Taiwanese language, or official-sounding title does not prove that a request is genuine. Stop the conversation and contact the organization through a trusted channel that you found independently. Online crime can involve stolen accounts, fake shopping pages, malicious links, identity misuse, blackmail, or unauthorized payments. Save messages, usernames, phone numbers, receipts, bank records, web addresses, screenshots, and the time of each event. Do not delete the evidence or send more money just because the offender threatens you. Call 110 when there is immediate danger, a crime is happening, or you need police assistance. If someone is injured, call 119 for medical or rescue help as well. You can report a matter at a local police station, and a person who is not fluent in Chinese should clearly ask for language assistance. For domestic violence, sexual violence, or danger to a child, seek immediate safety and contact the police or the relevant protection service. Do not confront a violent person alone if leaving or calling for help can be done more safely. A trusted friend, school, employer, doctor, shelter, or support organization may help with the next step. After a report, keep the report information, names of officers or departments, and copies of documents you provide. The case may move from police investigation to a prosecutor and then, where appropriate, to a court. Legal outcomes depend on the facts and the applicable law, so serious cases may require qualified legal advice.
Crime in Taiwan
Crime in Taiwan is handled mainly through local police stations, city and county police departments, prosecutors, and courts. Everyday concerns can include theft, burglary, harassment, violence, online crime, and especially scams that use calls, messages, social media, or fake investments. Knowing when to call 110, how to preserve evidence, and how to check suspicious requests can protect you.
Tip
Treat unexpected requests for money, codes, passwords, or secrecy as a warning sign in Taiwan, especially when they arrive by phone or message. Save evidence, stop further payment, contact the real organization independently, and call 110 when you face immediate danger.

