What are Chinese authority scams?
We’re aware of a rise in criminals targeting Chinese Australian communities and international students to extort money by impersonating Chinese government officials such as police or embassy. These scams use fear, intimidation and false threats to convince individuals into sending money and sharing personal information.
How you can avoid a Chinese authority scam
You can protect yourself, family and friends by remembering these three simple steps. Stop. Check. Protect.
Stop
If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a Chinese government official, threating you with deportation or criminal charges, stop to consider, could it be a scam? The caller may speak Mandarin and claim that your identity has been linked to serious criminal activity. They may threaten you with immediate arrest or extradition unless you comply and transfer money to clear charges or prove your identity. Don’t act on the call.
Check
Don’t hand over any personal information or transfer your money, remind yourself that law enforcement will not contact you in this way or demand money to prove your innocence. Check Scamwatch for the latest scams targeting Australians.
Protect if you suspect
If you ever receive a call from someone threatening you with arrest or deportation, it is a scam. Hang up to protect yourself. Report it to your local police. If you have provided any banking details or suspect you’ve been scammed, call us on 13 22 65 or visit your nearest NAB branch immediately.
The red flags of Chinese authority scams
If you receive a call from someone making any of these threats or demands, it is a scam. Hang up the phone immediately and report it to your local police. If you have any concerns for your or your loved ones immediate safety, call 000.
Report fraud
Learn how to identify if you’ve been affected by fraud or scams, what you can do immediately or how to contact us to report suspected fraud.
Helpful resources
How we can help
If you’re a NAB customer and you believe your business or personal accounts have been impacted by fraud or a scam, we’re here to help. Explore the immediate steps you can take to protect yourself and discover when you should get in touch with us to make a report.
Learn what to do in the event of fraud or scams
Get updates on the latest fraud alerts
IDCARE
IDCARE is Australia and New Zealand's not-for-profit counselling and support service set up to assist Australians impacted by identity theft and cyber-related crimes.
IDCARE can assist NAB customers to navigate through the process when identity details or credentials have been compromised through fraud or scams. IDCARE is a free service for all Australians.
Australian Government | Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC)
The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) brings cyber security capabilities from across the Australian Government together in a single location. It’s the hub for private and public sector collaboration and information sharing to combat cyber security threats. ACSC provides topical, relevant and timely information on how home internet users and small businesses can protect themselves from, and reduce the risk of, cyber security threats such as software vulnerabilities, online scams, malicious activities and risky online behaviours.
Learn more about the Australian Cyber Security Centre
Australian Government | ReportCyber
ReportCyber is a secure reporting and referral service for cybercrime and online incidents which may be in breach of Australian law. The ReportCyber website provides a cybercrime reporting mechanism as well as helpful information about cybercrime.
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission | Scamwatch
Scamwatch provides information to consumers and small businesses about how to recognise, avoid and report scams using publications, videos and other online resources.
Australian Government | Office of the eSafety Commissioner
The Office of the eSafety Commissioner provides online safety education for Australian children and young people, a complaints service for young Australians who experience serious cyberbullying, and address illegal online content.
Learn more about the Office of the eSafety Commissioner
Australian Government | Attorney-General’s Department
The Attorney-General’s Department website provides helpful information and resources about your rights and protections in regards to identity security, freedom of information and cyber security. The Department has developed a range of resources to assist people protect their identity and recover from the effects of identity crime.
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