NSW Police Force has issued a warning over a growing number of sophisticated scams targeting members of the Chinese community, particularly international students studying in Australia.
The warning follows several major fraud investigations in Sydney involving scammers impersonating Chinese police, government authorities, immigration officials and other legitimate agencies.
According to NSW Police, victims are often contacted by phone, social media or online messaging platforms and falsely told they are connected to criminal investigations, money laundering or visa breaches.
Scammers then allegedly pressure victims into transferring large sums of money while threatening arrest, deportation, visa cancellation or criminal prosecution.
Police say the scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated and psychologically manipulative.
In one reported case, a 22-year-old woman allegedly lost more than $400,000. Other victims reportedly lost tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars after being convinced the threats were genuine.
Commander Matthew Craft said scammers are using fear and intimidation to isolate and manipulate victims.
“These scams are highly organised and designed to create panic and fear,” he said in the NSW Police statement.
Police are urging people not to transfer money, not to provide personal or banking details and to independently verify any contact claiming to be from authorities.
The warning is particularly relevant for the Hawkesbury region, which is home to campuses of Western Sydney University and TAFE NSW, both of which have significant international student enrolments.
International students are often considered vulnerable targets because they may be unfamiliar with Australian legal systems, fear impacts on visas or immigration status, experience language barriers and have limited local support networks.
Police and cyber safety experts say scammers frequently exploit those fears to pressure victims into acting quickly before seeking advice or assistance.
The warning also comes amid broader concerns nationally about rising cybercrime, online fraud and scams targeting culturally and linguistically diverse communities.
NSW Police is encouraging anyone who receives suspicious contact claiming to be from law enforcement or government authorities to stop communication immediately, avoid sending money, contact police directly through official channels and speak with trusted family members, educational institutions or support services.
Anyone affected by scams can also contact Scamwatch, ReportCyber or local police.
