Taiwanese Actress Falls Victim to Online Scam, Shares Cautionary Tale
Taiwanese actress Fang Yu recently recounted a chilling experience on a popular TV programme, revealing how a scammer impersonated her close friend to trick her into sending a topless photo. The incident highlights the growing sophistication of online fraud and the risks even celebrities face on social media.
Fang Yu explained that the scammer exploited her generous and helpful personality, slowly coaxing her into sharing private images. It was only when the requests became unreasonable that she realised something was wrong — but by then, the photo had already been transmitted.
Friend Request Turns Dangerous
During a recording of 女人我最大, Fang Yu shared that she considered fellow actress Wang Shimin like a sister, often confiding in each other. One day, she received a LINE message supposedly from Wang, complaining about insecurities regarding her nipple colour ahead of a new romantic relationship.
Fang Yu, eager to comfort her friend, reassured the impersonator that “someone who truly loves you won’t mind,” even sharing her own experience with post-pregnancy changes. When the scammer asked, “Can you show me yours?”, Fang Yu, thinking it was for reassurance, sent a topless photo without revealing her face.
The deception escalated when the scammer requested another intimate photo, claiming similar issues. Alarm bells rang for Fang Yu, prompting her to verify with the real Wang Shimin, who denied ever sending such messages.
Scammers Exploit Familiar Faces
Fang Yu soon discovered the truth: a fraud group had stolen Wang’s public photos and personal information to create a fake LINE account. Fortunately, Fang Yu’s photos did not reveal her identity, but the experience served as a stark warning about online safety.
She urged the public, especially social media users in Singapore and Malaysia, to exercise caution even when interacting with familiar contacts online. Experts note that scam tactics are constantly evolving, making vigilance essential to avoid fraud and protect personal privacy.