Chinese Consulate Warns of Fake Police Phone Scam

Summary: China's Perth Consulate warns of scammers posing as Shanghai police, using fake websites to seem real. They advise hanging up on suspicious calls, verifying independently, and never sharing bank details. Report scams to local police.

Source: OT-Team(G), 中国驻珀斯总领馆

On January 21, the Consulate General of China in Perth issued a public alert after receiving reports from residents who had fallen victim to telecom fraud. 

According to the consulate, the victims demonstrated a certain level of awareness and attempted to verify the information they were given, but were ultimately misled by what officials described as an "upgraded" scam, resulting in financial losses.

In one reported case, scammers contacted the victim by phone, claiming to be officers from the "Puxi Branch of the Shanghai Public Security Bureau." The caller alleged that the victim was implicated in a criminal case and required to cooperate with an investigation. To reinforce credibility, the caller suggested that the victim independently verify the claim online by searching for the Puxi Branch's official website and contact number.

When the victim conducted an online search in real time, a website for the so-called "Puxi Branch" appeared, displaying a telephone number that matched the incoming call. Convinced of its authenticity, the victim complied and was subsequently defrauded.

Following verification, authorities confirmed that there is no "Puxi District" within Shanghai's administrative divisions. In this case, the scammers fabricated the name "Puxi Branch" and temporarily set up a fake website during the phone call to mislead the victim.

In response, the Chinese Consulate General in Perth issued the following reminders:

1. Immediately hang up on suspicious or unknown calls, especially voice calls. Do not follow automated prompts or press any numbers, as this may give scammers an opportunity to proceed.

2. Chinese public security organs and judicial authorities do not handle cases over the phone, do not conduct investigations through mobile apps, and will never request bank account details or ask individuals involved in legal proceedings to transfer money to "prove innocence."

3. If you receive suspicious calls or emails, particularly those claiming to be from police, prosecutors, or courts, hang up first and consult family or friends. You may also contact the Chinese diplomatic missions in Australia or call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' 12308 consular protection hotline for verification. Do not disclose sensitive personal or family information, including ID numbers, bank account details, addresses, or contact information.

4. Remain highly vigilant. Scam techniques are increasingly diverse and complex. If contacted by individuals claiming to be from law enforcement or judicial bodies, always cross-check any websites or phone numbers they provide through multiple independent channels to avoid falling into carefully designed traps.

5. If you believe you have been scammed, report the incident to Australian police immediately. If the recipient bank account for the transfer is located in China, you may also file a report with the public security authorities in your place of household registration in China.

The consulate emphasized that heightened awareness and cautious verification remain the most effective defenses against increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes.