Three mainland Chinese university students studying in Macau have been targeted by highly deceptive phone scams collectively resulting in losses exceeding HK$2.63 million (approximately US$336,000). The victims—two males and one female—were exploited by fraudsters impersonating law enforcement officials, highlighting a persistent and costly cyber threat facing students across the region. Law enforcement agencies are currently investigating the cases and concurrently intensifying public awareness campaigns regarding these elaborate schemes.
The incidents, which occurred between September and November 2025, bear the hallmarks of typical “Mainland official impersonation” scams. In these schemes, criminals leverage fear and authority to coerce victims into compliance and financial transfer.
Impersonating Public Security: The Tactics Used
The two male students received calls from individuals asserting they represented the “Kunming Public Security.” The scammers falsely claimed that the students’ financial accounts or mobile numbers were implicated in serious mainland crimes, such as money laundering or disseminating fraudulent communications.
To bolster their credibility, the fraudsters directed the students to participate in video calls, during which they were shown counterfeit legal documents, including purported detention orders. This theatrical display convinced the vulnerable students that they were facing imminent legal peril.
As a condition for avoiding immediate arrest and detention while an “investigation” proceeded, the students were instructed to remit a substantial “guarantee deposit.”
One victim was coached to solicit 1.1 million yuan (approximately HK$1.2 million) from his family, under the spurious guise of needing funds for overseas study. He transferred the money in six separate installments to designated Hong Kong bank accounts between October 17 and 20. Suspicion finally arose only when the fraudsters escalated their demands, insisting on an additional 1 million yuan from his relatives.
The second male student complied with the demands, transferring HK$876,000 to a Hong Kong account on November 6. He realized the vast deception only after traveling to the Kunming Public Security Bureau in early November to physically verify the claims, where officials confirmed the calls were fraudulent. Both men officially reported the fraud to Macau law enforcement on November 20.
Cash Withdrawals and Bank Intervention
The female student was targeted in a parallel scheme that required cash deposits rather than direct transfers. She was defrauded of HK$550,000 after being ensnared by the scam since mid-October. Believing she needed to pay a deposit for pre-release investigation, she withdrew the cash in multiple transactions over several weeks.
Fortunately, quick-thinking bank staff intervened on November 19 after noticing the highly unusual transaction activity. They flagged the situation to authorities, who contacted the victim. Investigators determined she had handed over the “deposit” to an unknown man in Central several days earlier.
Protecting Yourself from Financial Fraud
The recent spate of successful scams underscores the importance of vigilance, particularly for international students who may be unfamiliar with local law enforcement procedures or vulnerable to authority figures claiming to represent their home country.
Authorities consistently warn that legitimate mainland police, prosecutors, or courts will never contact individuals via phone or social media to demand money transfers under the threat of legal action.
To protect yourself or your family from these professional schemes:
- Verify Identity: Hang up immediately if a caller identifies themselves as an official demanding payment or personal information. Call the official hotline of the purported agency directly (e.g., the official Macau Police number) to verify the claims. Do not use the number provided by the caller.
- Refuse Transfers: Real law enforcement agencies do not use private bank accounts, especially those across borders, to collect “bail,” “deposits,” or “fines.” Never transfer money based on phoned instructions.
- Seek Advice: If you are contacted by suspicious individuals, immediately consult with trusted family members, friends, or university student services before following any instructions.
- Be Skeptical of Visual Proof: Fraudsters use sophisticated digital tools to create fake arrest warrants or legal documents. Assume any documents shown via video call are fake.
As investigations continue, the public is urged to remain skeptical of unsolicited calls and report any suspicious activity immediately to local police. Education remains the primary defense against these transnational financial crimes.