Chinese Scammers Targeting Chinese University Students Worldwide with Coercion Scams
Chinese Scammers Impersonate Police and Incorporate Aggressive Tactics to Target U.S.-Based Chinese University Student Community
Catalog of Scams – A SCARS Institute Insight
Author:
• SCARS Institute Encyclopedia of Scams Editorial Team – Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
Article Abstract
The FBI has alerted the public to a sophisticated scam targeting the U.S.-based Chinese community, particularly university students, where criminals impersonate Chinese police officers to defraud victims. Using spoofed phone numbers, scammers contact victims, falsely accuse them of financial crimes in China, and manipulate them through fear and psychological pressure.
The scam unfolds in four stages: initial contact through fake official channels, scare tactics by impersonating Chinese police, coercion into 24/7 surveillance, and finally extortion through demands for large wire transfers. This scheme leverages cultural norms, language barriers, and isolation tactics to exploit victims. Awareness, skepticism of unsolicited calls, and reporting suspicious activity are key to combating this crime.

Chinese Scammers Impersonate Police and Incorporate Aggressive Tactics to Target U.S.-Based Chinese University Student Community
The FBI has issued a warning about a sophisticated scam targeting the U.S.-based Chinese community, particularly students attending universities. Criminals are impersonating Chinese police officers and employing aggressive and elaborate tactics to defraud victims. Victims are falsely accused of financial crimes in China and coerced into compliance through threats and psychological manipulation. These scams are highly organized and follow a structured four-phase approach designed to isolate, intimidate, and extort money from victims.
Phase 1: Initial Contact – Impersonating Businesses or Chinese Authorities
The scam begins with the criminals contacting victims using spoofed phone numbers. They impersonate credible entities, such as mobile service providers, delivery services, major retailers, or the Chinese Embassy/Consulate. By appearing legitimate, they gain the victim’s trust.
During this phase, victims are informed that their personally identifiable information (PII) is linked to an alleged financial fraud case in China. The scammers use this initial contact to establish fear and set the stage for escalating their demands.
Phase 2: Scare Tactics – Chinese Police Impersonation
The call is transferred to someone posing as a Chinese police officer. This individual presents fabricated details of the alleged financial crime and provides fake evidence, including law enforcement credentials, the victim’s Chinese national ID photo, and formal-looking documents.
The criminals use high-pressure tactics, threatening arrest or extradition to China if the victim does not comply. In some cases, they demand the victim immediately return to China to face trial. This phase is designed to overwhelm the victim with fear and confusion, making them more likely to follow instructions.
Phase 3: Surveillance of Victims
In this phase, victims are coerced into consenting to 24/7 video and audio monitoring. The scammers claim this is necessary to prove the victim’s innocence or due to the sensitivity of the investigation. Victims are instructed not to discuss the matter with anyone, avoid internet searches, and report their daily activities.
This prolonged surveillance serves multiple purposes: it isolates the victim, reinforces the scam’s credibility, and ensures the victim remains compliant. The constant monitoring also gives the scammers a sense of control, allowing them to escalate the situation further when needed.
Phase 4: Extortion
The final phase involves extorting money from the victim. Scammers direct victims to wire substantial sums to Chinese bank accounts, claiming the payment is necessary to prove innocence, post bail, or avoid extradition.
In some cases, victims are instructed to lie to friends and family to secure additional funds. Others are coerced into becoming money mules or assisting in similar scams targeting other individuals in the community. By this stage, victims are often too intimidated or ashamed to seek help.
Why This Scam is Effective
This scam is particularly effective due to several factors:
- Cultural and Legal Context: Many victims are unfamiliar with U.S. laws and may fear repercussions from Chinese authorities. The scam exploits this lack of knowledge and the cultural respect for authority figures.
- Language Barriers: The scammers typically communicate in Mandarin, creating a false sense of legitimacy for native Mandarin speakers.
- Isolation Tactics: Victims are deliberately isolated from support systems, making them less likely to seek advice or verify the scam.
Preventive Measures and Tips
- Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Calls: If someone contacts you claiming to be an official, verify their identity independently using public sources. Legitimate government agencies will not demand immediate payments or sensitive information over the phone.
- Beware of Spoofed Numbers: Criminals often use technology to disguise their phone numbers. Receiving a call from what appears to be a trusted entity does not guarantee its authenticity.
- Refuse Monitoring Requests: No legitimate investigation requires 24/7 video or audio monitoring.
- Do Not Share Personal Information: Never provide PII, financial details, or passwords over the phone.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect a scam, immediately contact your local FBI field office or law enforcement agency. Foreign government officials conducting legitimate investigations in the U.S. must coordinate with U.S. federal authorities.
What to Do If You Are Targeted
- Immediately cease communication with the scammers.
- Preserve any evidence, such as call logs, emails, or documents shared by the criminals.
- Report the incident to the FBI at www.ic3.gov or your local field office.
- Notify your university or community organizations to raise awareness and support other potential victims.
Conclusion
This scam targeting the Chinese community in the United States is a calculated operation preying on fear, cultural norms, and social isolation. Awareness and vigilance are critical to preventing further victimization. By understanding the tactics used and recognizing the warning signs, individuals can protect themselves and their communities from these deceptive schemes.
Please Rate This Article
Please Leave Us Your Comment
Also, tell us of any topics we might have missed.
Thank you for your comment. You may receive an email to follow up. We never share your data with marketers.
Recent Reader Comments
on Scammers Anger – Losing Their Temper – How Scammers Operate: “Very informative article. I was in two scams in 2024, the first beginning in March with innocent seeming emails. The…” Feb 16, 16:35
on How Can Scammers Be So Convincing And Deceptive – 2024: “It is still so incredible to realize and face the fact that scams are so proliferate in this world and…” Feb 16, 15:45
on 7 Psychological Principles of Scams: “I wish I had known all this BEFORE I was pressured in my crime. They targeted my needs and desires…” Feb 16, 14:59
on The Meaning Behind Scammer Gifts Sent To Romance Scam Victims – 2024: “I did receive a gift from the scammer in my crime. It was a necklace with a pendant in the…” Feb 16, 13:07
on Sense of Failure And Scam Victims – 2024: “Great article, I live in total isolation and i feel like you guys are the only ones i can talk…” Feb 16, 09:06
on You Made A Mistake: “I totally made a mistake, I questioned and there were inconsistencies and I continued. I know that there is no…” Feb 16, 09:01
on The Amygdala Hijack And Scam Victims [Infographic] – Expanded 2024: “A great article and info pictures. This has consolidated some of my previous learning but this is more understandable. Thank…” Feb 16, 08:32
on How To Spot A Gaslighter – Gaslighting As A Scam Technique – 2024: “I feel the same as other commenters on this article about how the gaslighting language was used against me to…” Feb 15, 15:50
on Love Bombing And How Romance Scam Victims Are Forced To Feel: “This article takes everything a step further and it explains things in a way that I can process. Yes the…” Feb 15, 15:26
on The Art Of Deception: The Fundamental Principals Of Successful Deceptions – 2024: “Thank you for this article. I see most if not all the cognitive biases listed here to have been in…” Feb 15, 10:05
Important Information for New Scam Victims
- Please visit www.ScamVictimsSupport.org – a SCARS Website for New Scam Victims & Sextortion Victims
- Enroll in FREE SCARS Scam Survivor’s School now at www.SCARSeducation.org
- Please visit www.ScamPsychology.org – to more fully understand the psychological concepts involved in scams and scam victim recovery
If you are looking for local trauma counselors please visit counseling.AgainstScams.org or join SCARS for our counseling/therapy benefit: membership.AgainstScams.org
If you need to speak with someone now, you can dial 988 or find phone numbers for crisis hotlines all around the world here: www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines
A Question of Trust
At the SCARS Institute, we invite you to do your own research on the topics we speak about and publish, Our team investigates the subject being discussed, especially when it comes to understanding the scam victims-survivors experience. You can do Google searches but in many cases, you will have to wade through scientific papers and studies. However, remember that biases and perspectives matter and influence the outcome. Regardless, we encourage you to explore these topics as thoroughly as you can for your own awareness.
SCARS Resources:
- Getting Started Right: ScamVictimsSupport.org
- Sextortion Scam Victims: Sextortion Victims Support – The Essentials (scamvictimssupport.org)
- For New Victims of Relationship Scams newvictim.AgainstScams.org
- Subscribe to SCARS Newsletter newsletter.againstscams.org
- Sign up for SCARS professional support & recovery groups, visit support.AgainstScams.org
- Join our Scam Survivors United Chat & Discussion Group facebook.com/groups/scam.survivors.united
- Find competent trauma counselors or therapists, visit counseling.AgainstScams.org
- Become a SCARS Member and get free counseling benefits, visit membership.AgainstScams.org
- Report each and every crime, learn how to at reporting.AgainstScams.org
- Learn more about Scams & Scammers at RomanceScamsNOW.com and ScamsNOW.com
- Scammer photos ScammerPhotos.com
- SCARS Videos youtube.AgainstScams.org
- Self-Help Books for Scam Victims are at shop.AgainstScams.org
- Worldwide Crisis Hotlines: https://blog.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines/
Other Cyber Resources
- Block Scam Domains: Quad9.net
- Global Cyber Alliance ACT Cybersecurity Tool Website: Actionable Cybersecurity Tools (ACT) (globalcyberalliance.org) https://act.globalcyberalliance.org/index.php/Actionable_Cybersecurity_Tools_(ACT)_-_Simplified_Cybersecurity_Protection
- Wizer Cybersecurity Training – Free Security Awareness Training, Phishing Simulation and Gamification (wizer-training.com)
-/ 30 /-
What do you think about this?
Please share your thoughts in a comment below!
To Learn More Also Look At Our Article Catalogs
Scam & Crime Types
More SCARS
- ScamsNOW Magazine – ScamsNOW.com
- ContraEstafas.org
- ScammerPhotos.com
- AnyScam.com – reporting
- AgainstScams.org – SCARS Corporate Website
- SCARS YouTube Video Channel
Leave a Reply