Mounties issue warning about new cyber scheme targeting Chinese students

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – There’s a warning for those living across Metro Vancouver about a new cyber scheme that tricks victims into thinking someone they know has been kidnapped.

RCMP says cyber crooks seem to be targeting female Chinese nationals who are attending school here, and add similar incidents are being reported around the world.

Mounties say students were first contacted through an automated message telling them to contact the Chinese government because their personal information was compromised and they were now connected with crimes in China.

If they didn’t co-operate, they were told their families back in China would be harmed.

While that is going on, police say the students’ parents back home were contacted and told their family member was being held against their will. Suspects then demanded money.

“Should any Chinese citizens be involved in any legal cases in China, the relevant legal documents will be mailed to them directly from Chinese diplomatic missions,” explains the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China. “No phone call will be made to verify any personal information, especially the personal banking information.”

Mounties say they’ve been working with other police agencies as well as the RCMP Liaison Officer in China to help ongoing investigations in that country.

“I would add that should anyone receive such a message or phone call they should not comply with the demands,” says BC RCMP Staff Sergeant Annie Linteau. The RCMP is concerned there are similar incidents that aren’t being reported, and that other victims may not have come forward.

“I want to assure you that the police are here to help you and we will thoroughly investigate these incidents,” adds S/Sgt. Linteau.

Anyone who thinks they may be a victim of this crime is asked to contact their local police detachment, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or text BCTIP to 274-637.

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