Chinese Embassy Scam

[David H. Lipman]

Chinese Embassy Scam

Quote

The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) has received multiple complaints from victims who were contacted via phone, text or other chat application by individuals speaking a Chinese dialect and claiming to be from the Chinese embassy or consulate. Other victims reported being contacted by individuals claiming to be from a shipping company stating there is a package waiting for the victim at the Chinese embassy. The phone calls are frequently spoofed¹ in order to appear from a legitimate source.

In some variations of this scam, victims may be first told that a suspicious document, package, or person was found or detained, usually at an airport located in China. The person on the phone claims the victim's passport, social security card, or credit card was found to be in the package or on the suspicious person. Victims are then told they are under investigation and, in order to assist Chinese law enforcement, they must speak to an investigator.

 

Reference:
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2018/04/scammers-impersonate-chinese-consulate
https://cyware.com/news/chinese-embassy-robocall-scam-rakes-in-40m-from-victims-aaba248c