Watch Out: Chinese Authority Scams on the Rise in NSW

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• phone-scams
• chinese-authority-fraud

Scammers impersonating Chinese officials are targeting NSW residents. Learn how to identify, avoid, and report these scams.

Chinese Authority Scams Targeting NSW Residents

ID Support NSW has issued a warning following a surge in scams where fraudsters pose as Chinese police, government officials, or couriers. These scams are particularly malicious, preying on fear and confusion to extort money and personal information.

How the Scam Works

Scammers use sophisticated tactics to impersonate Chinese authorities. They may contact you by phone, message, or online and claim:

• Your personal details have been leaked or compromised.
• A parcel addressed to you contains illegal or suspicious documents.
• You or a family member are implicated in a crime and face imminent arrest or deportation.
• They have an arrest warrant and can produce seemingly legitimate documentation.

You may be directed to a fake website that looks like an official Chinese government portal. There, you might find a phone number that connects you back to the scammer, who will then demand money to make the charges 'disappear.'

What These Scammers Want

These fraudsters aim to scare you into sending money or sharing personal information. They may:

• Request immediate payments to cancel fake charges or avoid arrest.
• Threaten deportation of you or your family if you don’t comply.
• Pressure you into staying silent and not speaking to anyone else.

These claims are entirely false and are designed to manipulate you. Real authorities will never demand payment in this way or ask for personal information over an unsolicited call.

What to Do if You’re Contacted

• Do not send money. Legitimate authorities will never demand payment to avoid criminal charges.
• Hang up immediately. Don’t engage or argue with the caller.
• Do not share any personal information. This includes names, addresses, bank details, or ID numbers.
• Collect any details you can. Note the number, time of call, what was said, and take screenshots if applicable.
• Report it to local police. Your information can help authorities track and shut down these operations.

Stay Alert and Informed

These scams are designed to incite fear and confusion, particularly among Chinese-speaking communities in Australia. Always verify claims independently and contact your local police if you’re unsure. Trust your instincts – if something feels wrong, it probably is.