Scammers steal over $400,000 from Chinese students in Australia

Chinese students in Australia have lost over $400,000 to scams. This is a large amount of money being lost by students.
By Newsroom | Crime, Australia |

Over $400,000 has been lost by Chinese international students in Australia due to a persistent wave of "authority scams," with police issuing stark warnings. This elaborate ruse typically involves criminals impersonating Chinese law enforcement officials, coercing victims into transferring substantial sums of money or cryptocurrency to avoid fabricated arrest warrants and severe legal repercussions in China.

Scammers Employ Fear and Deception

The modus operandi centers on instilling intense fear. Scammers contact students, often alleging their personal information has been linked to criminal activities, such as terrorism or financial fraud. Victims are then told they face imminent arrest, not just for themselves but for their families, unless they comply with demands for payment.

  • In one documented instance, a student was threatened with arrest and told her family would also be implicated if she didn't transfer money. The resulting loss for this individual alone exceeded $400,000.

  • The scammers frequently escalate their tactics, at times pressuring victims to return to China for a trial or threatening them with arrest upon arrival.

  • Some victims report being coerced into allowing constant video and audio monitoring of their activities and instructed to maintain absolute silence about the alleged case.

Broader Reach and Warnings Issued

While the recent focus highlights losses in Australia, the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has also issued alerts regarding similar scams targeting Chinese students. The FBI notes these schemes have been ongoing for at least since 2022.

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"Scammers will take advantage of people’s fears to scare them into handing over their personal information and money." – Detective Superintendent Matthew Craft, Cybercrime Squad, NSW Police

Authorities are urging the public to be vigilant:

  • Never share personal or financial details over the phone with unknown individuals.

  • Do not transfer funds to people you do not know or trust.

  • Do not respond to threats or demands for payment from unidentified sources.

  • If you believe you have been targeted or have fallen victim, contact police immediately.

Reporting and Support Channels

For those in Australia, reporting scam activity to the National Anti-Scam Centre and victims reporting through the ReportCyber portal are encouraged. In the United States, the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) and local FBI field offices are points of contact. Multilingual officers are available at some police stations to assist diverse communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much money have Chinese students lost to scams in Australia?
Chinese international students in Australia have lost over $400,000 due to authority scams. Criminals pretend to be police from China to trick students into sending money.
Q: How do these scams work?
Scammers call students and say they are in trouble with the law in China. They threaten arrest for the student and their family unless money is sent quickly.
Q: What should students do if they get a suspicious call?
Students should never share personal or money details with unknown callers. Do not send money if someone threatens you. Report any scam attempts to the police right away.
Q: Are these scams happening in other countries too?
Yes, the FBI in the United States has also warned about similar scams targeting Chinese students. These scams have been happening since at least 2022.