Beware of Fraudsters Posing as Chinese Authorities

MSE Editor

Scammers are preying on the US-based Chinese community by posing as Chinese law enforcement officials and using fear tactics to commit financial fraud. Don’t fall for their tricks and learn how to safeguard yourself from these imposters by reporting any suspicious calls or messages to the authorities

Beware of Fraudsters Posing as Chinese Authorities Criminals Target US-based Chinese Community.

Authorities warn that criminals are posing as Chinese law enforcement officials or prosecutors to commit financial fraud against the US-based Chinese community.

These bad actors trick victims into believing they’re suspects in financial crimes, threatening them with arrest or violence if they don’t pay up.

The con artists capitalize on the People’s Republic of China government’s efforts to repatriate individuals living in the United States, making their schemes seem more believable.

How They Fool Victims
Criminals usually contact victims by phone, sometimes using spoofed numbers that appear to be from official Chinese sources. They may also communicate through online applications.

The police officer pointed to the document requesting the arrest

To appear more legitimate, they might show victims fake documents, such as arrest warrants or details about alleged criminal schemes. They may even know some basic personal information about the victim.

Tips to Stay Safe
Don’t Share Personal Info or Send Money
If someone unknown accuses you of a crime, don’t give out any personally identifying information or send any money.

Beware of Spoofed Numbers

Remember that an official-looking phone number isn’t proof of official action. Criminals can use technology to disguise their actual number and make it appear as a trusted one.

Report Suspicious Contacts
If you think you’ve been contacted by someone pretending to be a Chinese authority, get in touch with your local FBI field office. Legitimate foreign government officials must work with US federal authorities when conducting law enforcement activities in the United States.

Criminal Case Studies Case Studies

In 2019, a woman from California was targeted by a criminal who claimed to be a Chinese authority. The criminal told the woman that she was implicated in a crime and demanded that she send him $40,000 to avoid arrest. The woman complied and lost all the money she sent.

2. In 2020, a man from New York was contacted by a criminal pretending to be a Chinese prosecutor. The criminal claimed that the man was involved in money laundering and threatened to have him arrested if he didn’t pay a certain amount of money. The man realized that it was a scam and contacted the authorities, who were able to catch the criminal.