FBI Springfield warns of 4-phase scam targeting Chinese communities

Bradley Zimmerman
·3 min read

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — The FBI’s Springfield Field Office is warning of complex, four-phase scam that is targeting members of Chinese communities in the United States, including students attending U.S. universities.

“This complex scam consists of multiple layers and perpetrators, making it extremely convincing to victims,” said FBI Springfield Field Office Special Agent in Charge David Nanz. “By creating public awareness, we hope to educate Chinese communities about this threat and empower victims to file a report or contact FBI Springfield.”

The scam involves criminals posing as law enforcement officials in China. The scammer will falsely tell victims that they are the subject of criminal investigations there, and that to avoid arrest or deportation, they need to pay money.

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FBI officials laid out how each phase of the scam works:

  • Phase 1 – Initial contact

    • Scammers call their victims to discuss a minor problem such as an outstanding credit card balance, undeliverable package or unpaid bill. The scammers may use technology that spoofs the number of U.S. businesses or the Chinese Embassy in Washington or consulates around the country, making it appear the call is originating from there.

  • Phase 2 – Scare tactics

    • The caller then transfers the victim to another fraudster who poses as a law enforcement official from China. The imposter then details the alleged crime the victim is accused of and provides fraudulent documentation like an arrest warrant. The imposter then starts to pressure the victim to return to China to face trial or threaten arrest.

  • Phase 3 – Victim surveillance

    • Scammers force the victims to consent to 24/7 audio and video monitoring. They tell the victims not to discuss the case or conduct internet searches. Scammers may also try to recruit the victim to participate in alleged investigations of other people, asking them to either take photos or videos of other victims or receive cryptocurrency or wire transfers.

  • Phase 4 – Victim extortion

    • Scammers direct victims to wire money to a Chinese bank account to prove their innocence or to “post bail” to avoid having to return to China. They may provide scripts for victims to follow when going to the bank and in some cases, they may order victims to lie to friends and family to secure more money. They may also force victims to serve as money mules or facilitate similar criminal schemes against others.

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Officials said there are a few things to be aware of so people can protect themselves from becoming a victim:

  • If an unknown person contacts you to accuse you of a crime, cease contact immediately. Do not share personal or financial information and do not send money.

  • Contact from a seemingly official phone number is not proof of official action.

  • Using phone numbers listed in phone books and on the Internet, contact the agency that is supposedly calling to verify the legitimacy of the initial call.

  • Do not consent to 24/7 audio or video monitoring.

  • Contact the FBI Springfield Office if a supposed Chinese authority contacts you. Foreign government officials conducting legitimate law enforcement activity in the U.S. must coordinate with U.S. federal authorities.

People should report fraudulent or suspicious activities to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. They should detail as much as possible, including wire instructions, wallet addresses, telephone numbers and communications via text and email.

The FBI also advised that if someone has already transferred money, they should contact their bank immediately to stop or reverse the transaction and should ask them to contact the corresponding bank where the money was sent. College students should also report activity to their campus security or public safety offices to raise awareness among students.

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