Syracuse Sun

Syracuse University's Department of Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have issued a warning to Chinese students about a scam targeting the U.S.-based Chinese community. The scammers impersonate Chinese police officers with the intent to defraud individuals.

The FBI outlines the scammers' tactics as follows: they contact victims by phone, claiming their personal information is linked to a financial fraud investigation. The call is then transferred to what is purportedly the "Chinese police department." Posing as Chinese police officers, scammers inform victims that they are under investigation and must return to China or face arrest or trial. Victims are directed to consent to 24/7 video and audio monitoring and instructed not to discuss case details, avoid internet searches related to the case, and report all daily activities. Finally, victims are directed to wire large sums of money to a Chinese bank account either to prove their innocence or post bail.

To safeguard against this scam, authorities advise individuals who receive such calls not to release personal or financial information and refrain from sending money. If contacted by someone claiming to be from a government agency, individuals should note the caller's name, title, and contact information. They should verify this contact using public sources before reaching out directly to confirm its legitimacy.

Authorities emphasize that anyone receiving these calls should immediately contact the FBI or DPS for assistance.