Home / Crime and Justice / International Students Lose $800K to Chinese Police Scam
International Students Lose $800K to Chinese Police Scam
16 May
Summary
- Scammers posed as Chinese police to defraud victims.
- Nearly $800,000 was stolen from four students.
- Threats of arrest were used to coerce fund transfers.
Scammers posing as Chinese police officers have targeted international students in Sydney, successfully swindling nearly $800,000 from four victims in separate incidents this month. The criminals contacted their targets through phone calls and messaging applications, including WeChat. They falsely claimed the students were suspected of criminal activity. To coerce victims into transferring funds, the scammers threatened them with arrest. This fraudulent activity has resulted in a significant increase in reported cases. Cybercrime Squad Commander Detective Superintendent Matthew Craft noted a surge in these ruses affecting Chinese nationals. These scams are primarily occurring in Sydney's inner city, southern, and eastern areas.
