TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan police officers joined thousands of Mazu (媽祖) pilgrims Friday (Oct. 10) to launch an innovative anti-scam campaign during religious festivities. The Qingshui Police Station (清水分局) used the Dazhuang Haotian Temple (大庄浩天宮) pilgrimage in Taichung City to educate devotees about online fraud risks. Officers combined traditional crowd control duties with modern fraud prevention education as the procession moved through Shalu District (沙鹿區).
Police officers deployed loudspeakers throughout the pilgrimage route to warn attendees about sophisticated deepfake audio scams targeting vulnerable citizens. The innovative campaign featured a mobile stage displaying animated anti-fraud educational materials, encouraging devotees to photograph and share the messages on social media. This grassroots approach leveraged the festival's social atmosphere to amplify fraud prevention awareness across Taiwan's communities.
The police chief personally recorded fraud prevention messages, strategically blending education with entertainment to ensure devotees absorbed critical safety concepts during the joyous religious festivities. The Qingshui Police Station plans to expand this community-based approach, integrating anti-scam education into future local gatherings and cultural events. Officials aim to reach citizens across all age groups through increasingly interactive and culturally sensitive educational formats. ◼
