Police deploy adorable cats to fight Taiwan’s scam problem

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Kaohsiung City Police Department Criminal Investigation Corps (高雄市刑大) launched an innovative anti-fraud campaign Thursday (Sept. 11) featuring five adorable cat mascots called the Cat Cop Squad (刑事貓咪小隊). The anthropomorphic feline figurines draw inspiration from a real stray black cat frequently spotted around the police station. Officials believe this creative strategy will resonate more effectively with children, who increasingly face targeting by sophisticated fraud schemes.

Detective Chuang Yu-lin (莊育藺) described the creative process behind the mascots, explaining how colleagues first sketched character designs before using artificial intelligence to generate refined digital images. The five-member squad includes Captain "Black Panther" (黑豹), Detective "Dabban" (大斑), Forensics Officer "Luka" (路卡), Tech Detective "Maoke" (貓克), and Squad Leader "Shadow" (闇影). Corps Commander Yen Chih-hao (鄢志豪) conceived the initiative to make anti-fraud education more approachable and compelling for younger audiences.

The police department amplified the campaign's reach through a Facebook contest showcasing the cat characters, which generated nearly 5,000 public comments. Life-sized versions of the mascots made appearances at summer anti-fraud events throughout the city. The department also partnered with Kaohsiung's professional baseball team, the TSG Hawks (台鋼雄鷹), to organize a family-friendly baseball event that combined entertainment with fraud prevention education.

These initiatives address the growing threat of fraud targeting young people, who face increasingly sophisticated scammer tactics. The National Police Agency (警政署), Taiwan's top law enforcement body, reported that 1,008 students became scam victims during the 2024-25 academic year, primarily through game point schemes, account theft, and online shopping fraud. Nearly 60% of juvenile crimes involve teenagers unknowingly serving as scam couriers through fake part-time job offers.

Taiwan ranks among the world's most heavily targeted populations for fraudulent schemes, highlighting the urgency of prevention efforts. The Global Anti-Scam Alliance reported in August that Taiwanese adults encounter an average of 149 scam attempts annually, equivalent to one fraudulent contact every two to three days. The government has implemented comprehensive countermeasures, including public awareness campaigns, enhanced banking transaction monitoring, and mandatory anti-fraud protocols for social media platforms. ◼

>>> If you or someone you know encounters suspicious calls, messages, or online offers, immediately contact Taiwan's Anti-Fraud Hotline at 165 for free consultation and assistance.