Aussies targeted in elaborate scam where thieves claim to be from the Chinese consulate
A SYDNEY woman has lost thousands of dollars to an elaborate scam that saw thieves falsely claiming to be from Sydney’s Chinese Consulate. She is the latest in a string of people who have fallen victim to the scam. Here’s how it works:
Manly
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A MANLY VALE woman has lost $3500 to an elaborate scam that saw thieves falsely claiming to be from Sydney’s Chinese Consulate.
She is just one of many in Australia who have been targeted by the scam in recent months.
On June 8 the woman, 19, received a call from the scammer advising her that he had her name and passport details from a case being conducted in China.
She was then transferred to a person falsely claiming to be a police officer.
The woman was told if she did not assist with the case, her mother, who was in China, would be arrested and that she, too, would be arrested in Australia.
The next day the woman was advised to transfer the money into a Chinese bank account.
The woman did so and she continues to receive calls from the alleged police officer. No further money has been given.
Last month the Chinese Embassy in Australia issued a warning for people to be aware of the scam, which is targeting Chinese nationals.
Similar to what occurred with the Manly Vale woman, the embassy said: ”Scammers would call the victims by claiming to be officials from the Chinese Embassy or consulates and then transfer the calls to ‘the police’, while further inducing the recipient to transfer funds to the specified account”.
“They would threaten the arrest of the victim or their family unless a sum of money is electronically transferred”.
“In some cases the victim is transferred to someone who claims to be a more senior official who then extorts more money.
“In extreme cases the scams have escalated to involve further ransom demands from the victim’s family by fabricating a kidnapping”.
The Chinese Embassy urged Chinese nationals to “please neglect unsolicited calls or emails”.
If you feel that you may have been targeted or have any information that could assist police please go to your local police station or contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000
More information on ways to protect you from this scam can be found on the IDCARE website
Scams can be reported to ACORN.