Police have warned of a scam targeting the Mandarin-speaking community via phone and social media networks such as WeChat and WhatsApp.
The scam, which operates worldwide, has seen victims in Victoria and across Australia, lose significant sums of money after speaking to callers who pretend to be officials from courier services, government officials and police.
Police first received reports of the scam in July 2017, with scammers predominantly targeting Chinese nations who come to Victoria to attend university.
However recently police have seen scammers broaden their scheme to target an increasing number of victims who are not part of the Chinese student population.
Detectives now estimate at least 20 per cent of victims are from outside the student population, with police now urging people across the broader Chinese community to be aware they may be targeted.
These scams generally include a message or call claiming to be a courier service, Chinese police or Chinese official with the purpose of extorting money.
The scam can include an intercepted parcel addressed to you, containing compromised documents;your personal details being known; a threat of charges or arrest warrant against you or your family; direction to go to a website purporting to be a Chinese authority to obtain a phone number or a request to transfer money into Chinese bank account/s to avoid prosecution.
While most cases involve scammers operating overseas, Victoria Police have also charged people operating the scam in Victoria.
Those approached by scammers are advised to not continue any conversations; to not send any money to people who say they are Chinese police or government officials and to not reveal any personal information such as address, bank accounts or other contact details.
Those who are unsure are encouraged to report any suspicious scam or behaviour to Victoria Police and ReportCyber; speak with friends and family about the scam for support and guidance contact the Chinese consulate for advice and further assistance with reporting.
Victoria Police has also developed a fact sheet about these scams, which is available in both English and Mandarin, on the Victoria Police website: https://www.police.vic.gov.au/scams-targeting-mandarin-speaking-communi…
Anyone with information about this scam can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential online report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
