Scams of all kinds have been on a global increase in recent years, but one particular scam is causing growing concern among Chinese international students living in Australia.
Posing as Chinese law enforcement or government officials, scammers have been targeting Chinese international students (mostly aged between 18 and 24) with threats of “serious trouble” and “24-hour surveillance” unless they hand over personal information or large sums of money.
Although this type of scam has been circulating in Australia for several years, the National Anti-Scam Centre reports that they are becoming more frequent and increasingly threatening. Since the beginning of 2025, nearly 680 scams impersonating Chinese authorities have been reported, with an alarming success rate of 5.5%. In total, more than $5.1 million has been lost to the scam, with the average victim losing over $100,000.
How the scam works
While each case can differ slightly, these scams often accuse students of crimes such as violating their visa conditions or using fake identification documents. The scam typically begins with a Mandarin-speaking caller pretending to be from a Chinese government agency. They may demand large payments in exchange for “proof of innocence,” using intimidation tactics like threats of deportation or jail time to create panic and urgency.
What to do if you’re targeted
The most important thing is to recognise the warning signs of the scam and stay calm.
If you suspect you’re being targeted:
1. Hang up immediately.
2. Do not answer any questions, follow any instructions, or send money or personal information.
3. Do not send photos or videos of yourself to the caller.
Tips to stay safe
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) offers this simple guide:
STOP – Don’t rush to act. Scammers will create a sense of urgency.
THINK – Ask yourself if you really know who you are communicating with? Scammers can impersonate others and lie about who they are, especially online.
PROTECT – Act quickly if something feels wrong. If you have shared financial information or transferred money, contact your bank immediately.
Need support?
If you’re feeling unsure or overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to contact your school’s international student support team; they’re there to help and will put you in touch with the right people.
You can also report the scam to Scamwatch (where the National Anti-Scam Centre collects and analyses scam data) and notify your local police, as Australian law enforcement all over the country are actively monitoring these cases.
