Victoria Police is issuing a new warning about a scam targeting the Mandarin-speaking community. The scam operates worldwide, including in Victoria.

The scam involves: 

• pre-recorded messages in Mandarin left via voicemail or on social media networks such as WeChat and WhatsApp

• a message telling victims they have a parcel on hold for them

• threats to transfer large sums of money

• extortion via fake kidnappings

• threats of deportation or arrest.

Victoria Police first received reports of the scam in July 2017 and they stopped occurring during COVID19 restrictions.

However, since Chinese students have returned to schools and universities we are seeing the same criminal tactics

being used by scammers.

Please check My Latrobe link for more details: Victoria Police warning - scam targeting Mandarin-speaking community - MyLaTrobe