Most students think they will never fall for a scam, but many do. That’s because scammers are very clever and increasingly sophisticated. International students are particularly at risk.
Some students are being coerced into believing they must work for the Chinese Police. They are participating in a form of online induction into what they believe is the Chinese Police Force. They are then directed to complete different 'missions', which may involve assaulting potential targets, delivering documents, assisting in holding a person captive or booking hotel rooms on behalf of another person.
This is a scam. Assaulting another person or holding somebody captive, even under the erroneous belief that they are authorised by the Chinese Police, is a crime under NSW law.
I think I'm being scammed by someone pretending to be the Chinese Police. What should I do?
- If scammers call you, hang up your phone
- Report the scam to NSW Police, UNSW and the Chinese Consulate on 0481 262 258
- Do not comply with any instructions you are given by scammers
- Do not travel interstate or overseas when directed to do so by scammers
- Do not become isolated. Talk to your friends and family about what has happened.