From Job Scam to Exploitation: A 17-Year-Old's Descent into Crisis in Taiwan

A young woman in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, finds herself trapped in a cycle of fraud and sexual assault after falling victim to job scams.

In Kaohsiung, Taiwan, a devastating situation unfolded for a 17-year-old girl. After being deceived by a job scam, she inadvertently became involved with a fraudulent group, leading to a debt of 100,000 New Taiwan Dollars (approximately $3,100 USD). Unable to confide in her family, she turned to the internet, seeking to borrow money through Facebook in 2023. Tragically, this led to a second instance of exploitation.

The young woman was lured into an even more dangerous situation. Two men, identified as "pimps," convinced her to work at a massage parlor under the guise of earning quick money. These men, under the pretense of teaching her massage techniques, sexually assaulted her, taking her virginity during what they called "test runs". The girl's employment lasted only two days before the police intervened, leading to the discovery of the sexual assault. Following the investigation, the court sentenced the three men involved to prison terms ranging from 3 years and 6 months to 4 years.

The initial job scam saw the victim handing over her ATM card, making her an accomplice in the fraud. This resulted in the significant debt of 100,000 NTD. This unfortunate incident highlights the dangers faced by vulnerable youth in Taiwan and the need for greater awareness and support systems.