Man helpfully returns expensive iPhone to owner, demands reward - Formosa News

Man helpfully returns expensive iPhone to owner, demands reward2026-01-14A Hsinchu resident has whipped up controversy online after he angrily complained he deserved a reward for finding an expensive smart phone and returning it to its owner. The man found an iPhone 17 Pro and took it to a police station. When the owner came to collect it, he demanded a 10% reward, which is roughly NT$3,000, but was rebuffed. While horrified netizens thought his demands went against the spirit of helping others, a lawyer says the demand was actually in accordance with Taiwanese law.

If you accidentally lose an expensive smart phone and then someone finds it, you should thank your lucky stars. But when a person found a smart phone and took it to a police station for the owner to claim, he demanded a 10% reward, which would be roughly NT$3,000. When the owner refused, he was infuriated and expressed this in an online post.

The netizen made a public post online saying: 「I found the phone on the afternoon of New Year’s Day and asked the owner for a 10% reward. Isn’t that my right? I helped them find their phone, and kept it safe, but it seems like I’m trying to extort 10% from them. In the end, I didn’t receive the 10% and the police returned the phone to the owner. No matter what happens, I will file a lawsuit.」 His lengthy and scathing tirade stunned many other netizens, and some said it would have been better if he’d never found it.

Member of the publicIf someone demanded 10% from me, I might be stunned and feel uncomfortable, but if the object was important to me, I would give it.

Member of the publicI think it’s a bit unreasonable, because even if someone helped you find it, that doesn’t mean you should expect or demand something in return.

Returning lost property is a virtue, but when the finder’s demand for a 10% reward was refused, and he even threatened to sue the owner, it sparked heated discussions online. However, a lawyer said that it’s actually legal to claim compensation.

Li Chia-haoLawyerAccording to the provisions of Article 805, Paragraph 2 of the Civil Code, the finder may request a reward from the owner, but the reward cannot exceed one-tenth of the property’s value. If the owner is unwilling to pay, the finder can file a lawsuit against the owner to request a reward.

In fact, there have been incidents in the past where people found watches or phones, and filed lawsuits after failing to get compensation. Although it’s lawful to ask for a reward, aggressively suing undermines the spirit of helping others out of goodwill.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#lostandfound #reward #charity #law #controversial

民眾尋獲手機"要求 3 千元獎金" 遭拒怒發文撻伐失主 2026-01-14 拾金不昧是美德，但新竹有民眾撿到一支 iPhone 17 Pro，送到派出所，讓失主領回，但他主張要索取 10%獎金，大約 3000 元，最後遭拒，讓他氣到 PO 文，撻伐失主，引來大批網友傻眼，直呼’’不如不要撿’’，不過律師說，依法可以索償。昂貴的智慧型手機，要是不小心掉了，能撿得回來，就該謝天謝地！但有民眾尋獲手機，送到派出所，讓失主領回，但他要求 10%獎金，大約 3000 元，最後遭拒，讓他氣到 PO 文。這名網友在網路上公開發文，說「元旦下午尋獲手機，跟失主求償 10%獎金，這不是權益嗎？幫你撿手機，幫你保管，卻好像我在凹你這 10%，最後 10%沒收到，警方把手機還給失主了，不管怎樣，一定會提告」。洋洋灑灑一大篇撻伐文，引發大批網友看傻眼，痛批’’不如不要撿’’。[[民眾]]「如果是我被要求 10%的話，我可能當下會愣住，然後不太舒服，但是這個東西對我很重要的話，我還是會給。」

[[民眾]]「我覺得有點不合理啦，因為雖然是我幫你撿到，但就是，這也不是你應該要要求對方要給你回報的東西。」

拾金不昧是美德，但要求 10%報酬不成，反而還要提告失主，引發網路熱議，不過律師卻說，依法的確可以索償。[[律師 李家豪]]「按照民法 805 條第二項的規定是可以的，拾得人可以向失主請求報酬，但不可以超過財產價值的十分之一，如果今天失主不願意給付的話，拾得人是可以向失主提起請求給付報酬的訴訟。」

事實上，過去也有撿到手錶或手機、求償不成反而提告的案例，雖然依法可以求償，只是，強硬提告，也失去好心助人的美意。更多新聞內容，請鎖定：民視台灣台（152 頻道）週一至週五晚上 9:30 民視新聞台（53 頻道）週二至週六凌晨 1:00

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Taiwan Lantern Festival promo video showcases hardworking spirit of ChiayiTo drum up excitement for this year’s Taiwan Lantern Festival, the Chiayi County Government released a promotional video and gave a sneak peek into one of the exhibition zones. The video showcases the people of Chiayi from all walks of life working hard at their jobs to bring light to the county. Meanwhile, the "Chiayi Dream" zone promises to be a highlight of the festival, featuring a 7-meter-tall and 20-meter-wide immersive main installation called New Path of Light. Narrated by the sonorous voice of Chiayi County Commissioner Weng Chang-liang, this promotional video for the Taiwan Lantern Festival showcases the people of Chiayi working hard at their jobs to show that the combined light of these small, everyday acts are the driving force that pushes Chiayi forward.

Wu Chao-chunDirectorPromos for previous festivals have tended to invoke fireworks or lanterns. But this time, I hoped to start from the perspective of the people. Over years, the painstaking efforts of all those working here in Chiayi have gradually coalesced into a brilliant light.

Weng Chang-liangChiayi County CommissionerIn the past, our radiance was slow to build. But now, we’re guiding our own light, getting a firm grasp and control of our emergence, which is not an easy thing to do.

The Taiwan Lantern Festival is returning to Chiayi after eight years. The local glove puppetry troupe Samadhi Tang crafted a new performance especially for the festival, stunning the attendees of the news conference with their giant larger-than-life puppets.

The organizers also gave a sneak peek at the festival’s main zone entitled 「Chiayi Dream」 in front of Chiayi County Government building, where illuminated art installations will take visitors on a journey of Chiayi’s history of development.

Wang Wen-chihArtistNow for the inside. One you go through the corridor, it can actually fit two or three hundred people no problem. There are three domes, a box, and an archway where a person can hide inside. Usually when we exhibit it, kids will run over and say, 「I’m going home!」 before running inside. That’s a great feeling.

The county commissioner said that this year’s Lantern Festival is not only a major tourist draw, but also a chance to put Chiayi on the map of Taiwan and the world.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#TaiwanLanternFestival #lanternfestival #Chiayi #ChiayiCounty #lantern #art #WengChangliang #promo #video

2026-01-14Controversial ‘drive-thru’ video shows woman driving to counterApparently you don’t always need to get off your scooter when ordering food. A video recently went viral online showing a woman driving her scooter directly up to the counter of a curry restaurant in Nantou. The restaurant owner joked that it’s a "drive-through for regulars," but the video got mixed comments online.The security camera at this restaurant captured a woman driving her motorbike up to place an order. But she didn’t get off her bike at all. Instead, she drove right inside and up to the counter.

After ordering, she maneuvers herself around and drives back outside. The restaurant posted the video online to a mixed response.

Do you not like it? Or do you think it’s OK?I don’t mind it. There’s an automatic door inside, so it won’t really affect the customers.

Since the entryway of this restaurant in Nantou’s Shuili Township is open to the air and the space is big enough, scooters can drive up if they want. The owner said the seated area is also separated by an automatic door, so it won’t affect the customers. The woman in the video is apparently a regular who often uses this so-called 「drive through.」

EmployeeSometimes she’ll call ahead. When we’re finished making it, she’ll ask if it’s hers and just pick it up straight away. It’s cute.

While some people found this unconventional drive-through to be interesting, others feared it could be dangerous mixing vehicle and foot traffic.

Member of publicIf someone goes in to buy something with someone driving on a scooter like that, they could get hit.

But there’s also another issue in the video. The woman drove in without wearing a helmet, meaning she’s also liable for a NT$500 fine.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#Nantou #restaurant #scooter #drivethrough #pickup #oddity #regularcustomer #trafficsafety

2026-01-14Taipei MRT sells luxury perfume from vending machineThe Taipei MRT has been ramping up brand collaborations, in some cases allowing businesses to set up vending machines in highly trafficked stations. Previous machines that sold mixed drinks and ramen to-order have been successful. Now, they’re trying out a machine that dispenses perfume. It not only sells full bottles, but it can also give a spritz for just a few coins. Even though the trial period is still ongoing, it’s already received rave reviews.Meng Chia-meiFTV reporterIf you forgot to put on some perfume before leaving home, not to worry! Just find this vending machine in the MRT station and for a few NT, you can get a spritz.

Nine bottles of name-brand perfume including Le Labo and Jo Malone are lined up in the display to choose from. Each bottle costs a few thousand dollars, but you can try one out for just $30.

CommuterI often forget to put on perfume, and I won’t bring it out with me. If I was meeting someone today, I think it would be good. And $30 is pretty cheap.

It’s convenient.Very convenient.You can reapply your perfume.Reapply when you’re already out.

The operator guarantees that all the perfumes come with proof of purchase. During the trial period, five machines have been set up in busy transfer stations. Installing vending machines in empty station spaces with heavy foot traffic offer a massive business opportunity.

Mixed drinks and piping hot ramen are also available for a few coins. These food vending machines first made an appearance in Ximen Station, which is frequented by young people. At Taipei 101 Station in the upscale Xinyi District, home to luxury retailers, there’s a vending machine for jewelry. If a ring is the wrong size, you can take it to a store for resizing.

Wang Fu-kaiRebranding academy presidentConvenient retail machines allow customers to buy what they need more promptly. It’s experiential marketing. Through these machines, customers will feel like they’re keeping up with the trends.

The Taipei MRT’s brand collaborations have achieved impressive results, maximizing the value of its empty station space.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#TaipeiMRT #MRT #vendingmachine #perfume #consumerism #namebrand #shopping #cologne #publictransit #Taipei

2026-01-14Chiayi Railway Station calls out passengers in humorous announcementsIt’s common to hear announcements at railway stations about train services. But at Chiayi train station, the announcements are unique. One person heard over the PA system that passengers should refrain from wiping their nasal mucus on the seat, as it’s unsanitary. Others said that people would be called out for looking at their phones or stepping across the yellow line on the platform. They praised the station attendant for having a good sense of humor, giving commuters a good laugh. To the woman in red, when the train is coming into the station, do not cross the yellow line. You’re the one the conductor is honking at.

「When the train is coming, do not cross the line. The person being honked at is you.」 This announcement at Chiayi Railway Station certainly got everyone’s attention.

To parents with small children, do not let your kids run around on the platform. It will scare the conductor.

These playful announcements gave the passengers a good chuckle.

PassengerThe announcements are really interesting and I think they’re funny. It leaves a strong impression.

PassengerThe Taiwan Railway announcements are usually pretty dull. But here in Chiayi, they’re very personalized. I think it’s great.

Impressed by the creativity, many passengers have praised the attendant for his sense of humor.

Chen Chien-haoChiayi Station assistant attendantMy colleagues privately complain about my broadcasts. Some people like it and others don’t, but it’s no big deal.

These funny broadcasts are all attendant Chen Chien-hao’s 陳健豪 doing. He likes using humor to ease passengers’ anxiety about catching their trains.

Chen Chien-haoChiayi Station assistant attendantPassengers will rush to catch their trains. I don’t want to make everyone more anxious with my announcements or afraid they’ll miss their train.

Chang Huan-linChiayi Station masterHe wants everyone to understand clearly. I think it’s fun and makes everyone like taking the train.

Most railway stations use formal announcements. But this comical and personalized content is unique to Chiayi. When you take the train to Chiayi, be sure to keep your ears peeled for a funny announcement or two.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

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2026-01-14Jay Chou misses pro player’s serve at Australian Open ‘1 Point Slam’It really happened. Mandopop superstar Jay Chou did play at the Australian Open 1 Point Slam. He was pitted against a 24-year-old sparring partner from the pros. Just as Chou predicted, he didn’t even notice his opponent’s serve, and the game was over in the blink of an eye. Delightful as the challenge may have been, it was overshadowed by a glaring mistake in which Chou’s nationality was stated as China.Wearing all-black and sunglasses, Mandopop superstar Jay Chou took on the 「1 Point Slam」 challenge against pros at the Australian Open. His opponent was a 24-year-old sparring partner.

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The ball was so fast that Chou didn’t even catch that the serve already happened. Netizens joked that he didn’t even make an effort.

- This wide serve really was so abrupt. Chou didn’t even have a chance to react.- He didn’t stand a chance!

It was exactly as Chou predicted, that he probably wouldn’t even notice the serve. That said, Chou is actually a pretty skillful player for an amateur.

He’s played on his own reality TV show, and often shares his chops on social media. But it wasn’t just his skills that drew the attention of fans.

When the draw was revealed, netizens quickly took note that Chou’s nationality was incorrectly designated with the code 「CHN,」 which stands for China, instead of 「TPE,」 for 「Chinese Taipei.」 In contrast, British-Taiwanese player Joanna Garland had hers correctly designated as 「TPE.」

Jay Chou himself did not comment on the error. Perhaps for him, being able to play at the Australian Open was already a highlight in itself.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#ausopen #china #taiwan #australia #JayChou

2026-01-14Tsai Ing-wen watches docu on Premier12 baseball winFormer President Tsai Ing-wen went to the cinema on Tuesday evening to watch "Hero! Hito!" a documentary about Taiwan’s journey to the top at the Premier12 baseball championship in 2024. Lawmaker Su Chiao-hui joined her, as well as several friends and family members. Tsai said she was deeply moved by the film, and she had many thoughts on the film. Let’s hear her review.Tsai Ing-wenFormer presidentAfter watching the film, I was thinking about how we should review the results of our team’s performance at the championship. But then the commentator summed it up, telling us that the outcome showed us what Taiwan is and means. He said it will become a shared memory and affective experience for the people of Taiwan for generations to come. I feel there are moments like this in store for us. I’ve always been confident in the people of Taiwan, even if sometimes we may have some disputes. Step by step, overcoming hurdle after hurdle, the people of Taiwan have shown how resilient we are. I’m sure that Taiwan will do even better in the future.

Tsai noted that during the actual game, she was on a visit overseas, and so she wasn´t able to watch the match live or travel to Tokyo to cheer for Team Taiwan. She thanked the film’s director for documenting the team’s journey, allowing everyone to relive the triumph, even if they missed the moment back in 2024. She said Taiwan was able to show the world that it is a determined, outstanding and unforgettable country.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

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2026-01-14Alex Honnold to attempt Taipei 101 free solo climb on Jan. 24If you look up at Taipei 101 later this month and see a person outside the building, don’t be alarmed. Chances are, it will be American rock climbing icon Alex Honnold, who’s set to attempt a free solo climb of the skyscraper on Jan. 24. The climb has been approved by authorities and will be broadcast live. Honnold says getting to the top of the 508m building will be a dream come true. Honnold is the star of "Free Solo," a documentary that tells the story of his historic climb of El Capitan, a vertical rock formation in Yosemite National Park in the US. The monolith is just shy of two times the height of Taipei 101, and Honnold’s ascent in 2017 marked the first-ever free solo climb. But getting to the top of Taipei 101 poses different challenges, due to the glass, steel and concrete on the building’s surface, and the potential of strong winds on the higher floors. It’s been a long challenge in the making, as the 40-year-old rock climber even visited Taiwan last year for a test climb, drawing widespread attention.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

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2026-01-14Spring Festival dishes now for sale at Taipei’s Nanmen MarketThe Lunar New Year is still a month away, and already Taipei’s Nanmen Market is selling festive goods. Vendors have rolled out traditional dishes such as Buddha jumps over the wall or dongpo pork. Shoppers say they’d like to get a jump on the crowds, that will be getting bigger as the holiday approaches. Let’s hear from some of them. Member of publicPreparing for the holidaysI came to have a look. If you come closer to the Lunar New Year, it can get really crowded. Pig knuckles are a must, braised pork shank, fish, Buddha jumps over the wall and shrimp.

Ms. HuangNanmen Market vendorA lot of people are coming to look for Lunar New Year dishes. We can vacuum pack them so they are easy to reheat. Costs are a bit higher, but for now we are absorbing the higher costs.

Mr. TsaiNanmen Market vendorWage increases have made staff costs go up. There’s also electricity bills and even sugar prices have gone up. It doesn’t seem like a lot in isolation, but we use sugar, salt and soy sauce every day, little by little it all adds up.

Vendors say they are feeling the pressure of higher costs of material, labor and transportation. Some have adjusted their prices accordingly. For instance, sausage that used to cost NT$260 per 600g now goes for NT$280. But others say they are willing to absorb the costs in order not to hurt demand.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

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2026-01-14Woman takes relationship anger on innocent elementary schoolkidAn innocent school girl became the victim of a confrontation between a young couple in Taoyuan. The student was heading home when she was assaulted for no apparent reason by a 22-year-old woman, who was on her way to confront her partner. The woman was so consumed by her anger that she took it out on the kid, and she screamed in the process, even after the police arrived. The girl’s parents are pressing charges against the woman.A 22-year-old woman surnamed Chang was heading to confront her partner, when she unleashed her wrath onto a primary school girl that happened to walk by. She gripped the child close to her by the neck, choking her for a long while. A passer-by witnessed this scene and rushed over to rescue the kid.

Mr. ChiuRescuerI heard the little girl crying for help. Her lips were pale when I saw her, meaning she was struggling to catch a breath.

But the woman was still caught up in rage. When she finally saw her partner outside their home, she punched them hard, and pushed them onto the street. The police swiftly arrived and arrested her.

The woman continued screaming, so the police had her taken to hospital.

PrincipalVictim’s primary schoolIt’s completely out of the blue. The kid was on her way to extracurriculars when she was caught in the incident. We helped sort things out when it happened.

Yu Hsin-hsienTaoyuan City Councilor (DPP)Why does a schoolkid in Taoyuan need to risk her life on her way home after school? I’m calling on the Mayor Chang San-cheng to stop with empty words and take immediate action, and actually prioritize the safety of schoolkids.

The kid’s parents are suing Chang for assault and intimidation. The kid’s school has also issued a notice to parents of their students, detailing the incident and emphasizing their commitment to reinforce safety net around campus to look after the kids.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

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2026-01-14Taiwanese grapple with cold visiting Hokkaido in blizzardA super blizzard is sweeping Hokkaido, making for a chilly trip for many Taiwanese visiting the northern Japanese island. With endless snow and strong winds, few people venture out to the streets, and many outdoor landmarks have closed. Travelers from Taiwan are posting videos online showing their experience with the freezing cold, which they’d never get to feel back home.The winds blast snowflakes across the city, making it difficult to even stand upright.

Hokkaido is getting swept by a cold high-pressure system. After days and days of heavy snowfall, travelers can barely endure the freezing temperatures.

- I can’t walk.It’s all snow.My face is freezing.

Tourist hotspots such as Sapporo, Otaru, Hakorade and Biei are getting hit by what looks like a typhoon, only that it’s freezing and snowy. Travelers that were all smiles seeing penguins in the morning, were left chattering in the evening.

- We’re in a super blizzard in Hokkaido- It’s really crazy!It’s so cold!

Driving is extremely dangerous with reduced visibility that barely lets drivers see anything besides a white haze. There’s been plenty of traffic accidents, and since road markings aren’t visible, drivers have to rely on their instinct.

People going outside have to wrap up extra warm. In areas like Sapporo, the nighttime perceived temperature is as low as -15°C. On the street, even fish for sale and food stalls are buried in snow, turning the city into a freezer.

Mr. TingVisiting HokkaidoI’m at the Hakodate Morning Market, where the temperature feel is -19°C. It’s freezing cold. I arrived in Hakodate yesterday, as the blizzard was blowing over. JR didn’t suspend any trains services. It’s so cold that there is barely anyone on the street.

Many outdoor attractions have closed due to the constant snow. Lion Travel say there has been a few road closures and flight delays, but tour groups have been largely unaffected. EZ travel says group itineraries are going ahead as planned, but independent travelers are advised to adjust their plans based on weather and transport conditions. If you end up trapped in the snow, crying will only get you ice on your face.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#extremeweather #blizzard #cold #snow #japan #hokkaido

2026-01-14