The FCC is warning of an international plot to deceive Chinese citizens throughout the world.
Authorities say that in New York alone, at least 30 people have been bilked out of 3 million dollars.
Victims have also been reported not only in large Chinese communities throughout the United States, but also in Canada and Australia.
The scam varies, but often involves someone impersonating a Chinese consulate staff member advising them over the phone that a package addressed to them is at the consulate. However, that package has been linked to a criminal investigation. The target is advised they can do away with the situation through a money transfer, credit card payment or by providing bank account information.
You are advised to hang up immediately if you receive such a phone call. Authorities also caution not to be fooled by spoofing technology that falsifies the caller ID.
You should report the phone call to local authorities or the Chinese consulate.
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RE: International Scheme Targets Chinese: I’ve gotten these calls three times. I may be Asian but my last name isn’t Chinese. And I don’t speak Chinese. Scam and not a good one.
RE: International Scheme Targets Chinese: The people who commit the scams know that the Mainland Chinese students living in foreign countries are, all too often it seems, both gullible and naive, so the scammers will get their money easily by pretending to threaten family members back in Mainland China with violent acts