Threat scams targeting Chinese communities
Scamwatch is warning the Chinese community in Australia about 2 scams that involve extortion and threats of arrest.
If you ever receive a call from someone making threats about arrest or deportation, it is a scam. Also known as Chinese authority scams, this highly targeted form of threat scam disproportionately affects Mandarin speaking communities in Australia.
Scammers usually contact people by phone, pretending to be officials from Chinese authorities —such as the embassy, police or other government agencies, and sometimes well-known telecommunications providers. Victims are falsely accused of serious crimes and pressured to make urgent payments to “prove” their innocence, often under threats of arrest, legal action or deportation.
In 2025, Scamwatch received 1,294 reports of these scams, a 26.1% increase from 2024. Total losses reached $12.9 million, representing growth of more than 10% year on year.
- Scammers impersonate Chinese authority officials, such as the Chinese embassy, police or other government agencies, and sometimes well-known telecommunications providers, to increase credibility.\
- Scammers falsely claim the target has committed a serious crime and demand payment for bail or proof of innocence.
- Victims are most commonly contacted by phone, often repeatedly and over extended periods.
- Victims are often instructed not to speak to anyone else, reinforcing fear and isolation and discouraging protective behaviours such as checking or seeking advice.
If you ever receive a call from someone making threats about arrest or deportation, it is a scam.
- Hang up the phone immediately and report it to your local police or to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
- If you think the scammer has your bank account details, contact your bank immediately.
- Warn your friends and family about this scam.
- Members of the Chinese community in Australia can also report the scam to Scamwatch.
- People can also follow @scamwatch_gov on Twitter and subscribe to Scamwatch radar alerts.
- The ACCC’s Little black book of scams is an important tool for recognising scams and is available in simplified Chinese on the ACCC website.