TAIPEI: Taiwan’s National Immigration Agency (NIA) has assured travelers that all QR codes displayed at the country’s airports and seaports are safe and that completing the Taiwan Arrival Card (TWAC) is free of charge, following reports that a Japanese tourist was scammed by a fraudulent QR code.
The reports claimed the visitor scanned a QR code at an airport upon arrival and was redirected to a fake website that demanded a US$50 processing fee to complete the TWAC.
In a statement on Tuesday (Dec 17), the NIA said its Border Affairs Corps conducts regular inspections of all QR codes linked to the TWAC system at airports and ports. A fresh inspection carried out the same day found no banners or QR codes directing travelers to fee-charging or fraudulent websites.
The agency also clarified that publicity banners are not used at airports or ports due to safety considerations.
While confirming that official QR codes at points of entry are secure, the NIA warned that travelers could still encounter scam websites if they search for TWAC forms independently online.
Travelers were urged to use only the official TWAC website at https://twac.immigration.gov.tw, reiterating that the application process is free. Those requiring assistance were advised to approach on-site Border Affairs officers or contact tia@immigration.gov.tw.
To curb scams, the NIA said it has rolled out multilingual instructional videos and anti-fraud messages through its immigrant development network and strengthened on-site notices at arrival halls.
Introduced in October 2024, the TWAC requires foreign visitors to submit the form online within three days before arrival. Once completed, a confirmation is automatically sent to the traveler’s registered email address. Source: Focus Taiwan
HackWarn.com Analysis
How This Scam Attempt Happened
Fake travel-related websites often appear at the top of search results, exploiting travelers’ urgency after arrival. Scammers rely on official-sounding forms, small “processing fees” and QR-code confusion to make their sites look legitimate.
Key Safety Reminder for Travelers
Official government arrival forms do not charge fees and will never ask for payment through third-party websites.
Travelers should avoid scanning random QR codes or clicking search results and always verify the official government domain before submitting personal details.
