Police and Embassy Impostor Scams Targeting Chinese Speakers

The FBI has warned that criminals are posing as Chinese police officers, embassy and consulate officials to frighten members of the Chinese community in the United States — especially Chinese students at U.S. universities — into sending large sums of money. The problem is part of a wider trend: across all countries, the FBI received 1,809 complaints about scammers impersonating foreign police or diplomatic officials from January 2025 through July 2026, with reported losses of more than $140 million, according to a September 2026 alert. That figure covers every nationality, not only scams aimed at Chinese speakers.

How does the Chinese police impostor scam work?

According to the FBI’s public service announcement, the scheme usually follows four steps:

1. The first call. Scammers spoof their phone numbers so the call appears to come from a mobile carrier, a large retailer, a delivery service, or the Chinese Embassy or Consulate. They say your personal information has been linked to a financial fraud investigation.
2. The “police officer.” The call is transferred to someone claiming to be from a Chinese provincial police department. This person describes the alleged crime and sends official-looking documents — fake law enforcement credentials, a photo of your Chinese national ID, and charge papers. Victims may be pressured to return to China or threatened with arrest.
3. The surveillance. Victims are told to accept 24/7 video and audio monitoring, not to discuss the case or search the internet, and to report all of their daily activities.
4. The payment. Victims are told to wire a large sum to a bank account in China to “prove” their innocence or post bail. Some are pushed to lie to friends and family to get more money, to move money for others, or to recruit other people.

EXAMPLE — SCAM

Today 9:40 AM●●● ▮

Incoming call Consulate (spoofed)

Caller: This is the consulate. A package mailed in your name was found with forged bank cards and passports. Your identity is part of a money laundering case. I will transfer you to the investigating police department now.

Second voice (“police officer”): You are a suspect. To prove your innocence you must stay on video with me at all times, tell no one, and transfer your savings to a supervision account for verification.

Who do Chinese police impostors target?

The FBI says criminals target the U.S.-based Chinese community, especially students. In its September 2026 alert, the FBI added that scammers posing as foreign or U.S.-based diplomatic officials threaten people from certain nations, international students and foreign nationals with extradition or cancellation of their home-country passport. Some scammers have worn fake police uniforms and used mock government offices on video calls.

What warning signs do victims describe?

The FBI lists these warning signs. If you notice any of them, stop:

• An unknown person accuses you of a crime.
• The caller says your information is tied to a criminal investigation.
• You are asked to pay money to avoid arrest.
• You are asked to accept constant video or audio monitoring.
• You are told to stay silent, not search online, or hide the situation from others.
• You are told to lie to family or friends about money.

What should you do if you get this call?

The FBI’s advice:

• Don’t share personal or financial information, and don’t send money.
• Stop all contact with the person.
• Don’t trust an official-looking phone number — numbers can be spoofed.
• Verify any government contact yourself. Find the agency’s contact information on its official website and call it directly.
• Don’t agree to video or audio monitoring.
• Contact your local FBI field office if someone claiming to be Chinese authorities contacts you. The FBI notes that legitimate foreign officials conducting law enforcement work in the U.S. must coordinate with U.S. federal authorities.

What if you already sent money?

Act fast:

1. Contact your bank immediately to try to stop or reverse the transaction, and ask it to contact the bank that received the money.
2. Notify the payment service you used.
3. File a report at IC3.gov as quickly as possible. Include wire instructions, wallet addresses, phone numbers, and any text or email messages.
4. Students: report it to your campus security or public safety office to help warn others.

Then talk to someone you trust. These scams depend on keeping you isolated — the moment you tell a friend, the spell is broken. For more on scammers posing as officials, see government impostor scams and why caller ID can’t be trusted.

If you already sent money, follow our first-hour checklist after a scam, and see our guide to reporting a scam call for every agency to contact.