On Monday, August 4th, the FBI Philadelphia Division issued a warning that the number of scams targeting Chinese students in the U.S. has been increasing. These scams involve criminals posing as Chinese law enforcement officials.
According to the FBI Philadelphia Division, “Since 2022, the FBI has observed an increase in criminals impersonating mainland Chinese police officers to defraud Chinese students studying in our region. In order to carry out this scheme, the criminals inform the victims that they are under investigation in China for financial crimes and need to pay a fee to avoid arrest.”
“These scams not only result in financial losses – many victims also suffer lasting emotional and psychological distress,” said FBI Philadelphia Division Special Agent Wayne A. Jacobs in a press release.
The FBI outlined four stages typically involved in these scams:
1. Criminals call victims, pretending to be from mobile phone service providers, major retailers, courier companies, or the Chinese embassy/consulate.
2. Victims are informed that their personal information is related to financial fraud investigations in China. The call may then be transferred to what is claimed to be a Chinese provincial public security department investigating the victim. The impersonating police criminals provide details of the alleged crimes and may threaten victims with return to China for trial or arrest.
3. Victims are instructed to agree to 24/7 video and audio monitoring, citing the sensitivity of the investigation and/or to prove their innocence. They are told not to discuss details of the case, avoid internet searches, and report all their daily activities.
4. Victims are directed to transfer a large sum of money to a Chinese bank account to prove their innocence or post bail to avoid returning to China.
“We are actively working with the public, academic institutions, and our law enforcement partners to identify and support those affected by this scam,” said Jacobs.
On May 9, 2024, the FBI Washington Office issued a notice in English, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese, warning the public about scams targeting the Chinese community in the U.S. and students studying at U.S. universities. In these scams, criminals impersonate Chinese law enforcement officials to deceive victims, building credibility by threatening them. They tell victims they are subjects of a Chinese criminal investigation, convincing them to pay fees to avoid arrest or deportation. Victims lose thousands to millions of dollars.
“These scammers impersonate Chinese investigators, intimidate victims, and use their fear to steal their money,” said David Sundberg, Assistant Director of the FBI Washington Office.
FBI Special Agent Gloria Tabaczyk stated, “It’s a very destructive scheme. The scammers are very talented and skilled at what they do. They are very convincing, preying upon the fact that Chinese citizens in the U.S. may not have a solid understanding of U.S. law enforcement and criminal justice systems.”
She noted that scammers exploit this vulnerability in the U.S. and also capitalize on the fear Chinese individuals have of the Chinese government.
Jacobs reiterated in the press release, “If you or someone you know has been affected, we urge you to contact our office. We are committed to holding these criminals accountable, seeking justice for victims, and providing the resources needed for victims to recover.”